Southern Bowl of Fire: What to Know Before You Go
Where the Northern Bowl of Fire draws more visitors, the Southern Bowl of Fire is genuinely quieter and more remote, with its own separate trailhead off Callville Wash Road. Nevada-style Aztec Red sandstone — over 100 unique formations by one count — fills a roughly 5 to 6 mile route through washes and over banks, described by one source as "some trail, some wilderness." Welcome to the Southern Bowl of Fire, a real solitude option for hikers who've already done the busier trails nearby.
Trail Snapshot
Distance | Approximately 5-6 miles total route
Elevation | Cumulative elevation change likely exceeds the roughly 60 ft net start-to-end figure, given the washes and banks along the route
Difficulty | Moderate (partially marked, partially route-finding)
Hike Time | 3 to 4 hours
Fee | $25 per vehicle (1-7 day pass), $15 per person pedestrian/cyclist, $45 annual pass — cashless, card only
Restrooms | Not confirmed at the trailhead
Pets | Not explicitly confirmed
Elevation | Cumulative elevation change likely exceeds the roughly 60 ft net start-to-end figure, given the washes and banks along the route
Difficulty | Moderate (partially marked, partially route-finding)
Hike Time | 3 to 4 hours
Fee | $25 per vehicle (1-7 day pass), $15 per person pedestrian/cyclist, $45 annual pass — cashless, card only
Restrooms | Not confirmed at the trailhead
Pets | Not explicitly confirmed
How to Reach the Trailhead
Reach the trailhead via Callville Wash Road, which turns off Northshore Road at the mile 16 marker, then continue about 2 miles up the wash road to the Southern Bowl of Fire trailhead itself — a different access point than the Northern Bowl of Fire's Northshore Summit Trail parking. Lake Mead National Recreation Area's entrance fee ($25/vehicle) applies.
What to Expect on the Trail
Rated "some trail, some wilderness" by one detailed source — partially marked, requiring real route-finding through washes and over banks in places. This is remote terrain with limited water and real navigation demands. Stay on established paths and washes where possible to protect fragile cryptobiotic soil crust.
Over 100 Sandstone Sculptures
Aztec Red sandstone sculptures — over 100 unique formations by one count — fill this route in red, orange, pink, and yellow, often compared favorably to Valley of Fire but with a more remote, solitary feel. The route also passes dry falls and washes typical of this section of the Lake Mead backcountry.
Best Time to Visit and Conditions
Fall, winter, and spring are most comfortable; spring brings beavertail cactus blooms.
Practical Advice for New Visitors
- Bring at least 2-3 liters of water per person.
- Download an offline map, since this route involves genuine route-finding.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes for wash-walking.
- Tell someone your plans given the remote setting.
- Don't confuse this trailhead (Callville Wash Road) with the Northern Bowl's Northshore Summit parking.
- Stay on established paths/washes to protect cryptobiotic soil.
- Not recommended for young kids given the remote, unmarked terrain.
- Best suited to experienced hikers comfortable with navigation.
For hikers who've already explored the Northern Bowl of Fire and want a quieter, more remote alternative with just as much sandstone drama, the Southern Bowl of Fire delivers. Go prepared for real navigation, and enjoy the solitude this route offers.
