Visit an Underwater Ghost Town (No Swimsuit Required)

St. Thomas was founded in 1865 by Mormon settlers and spent decades as a small, but lively, community on the Muddy River. But by 1938 it was gone, submerged under 60 feet of water as Lake Mead filled behind the newly built Hoover Dam.

At its peak, about 500 people called St. Thomas home. The town had a school, post office, church, grocery stores, a soda fountain, and several garages as automobiles became the new thing. But as the reservoir began rising in 1935, residents were told they would have to relocate. Families packed up and moved on as the water crept closer. Famously, the last holdout, Hugh Lord, hopped in a boat and paddled away from his front porch when the lake finally reached his doorstep.

Today, after years of drought and receding water levels, St. Thomas has reemerged. We can wander around the old foundations, walk the former main street, and photograph weathered walls, stone chimneys, and the outlines of long vanished buildings. It is a rare chance to stand in a place shaped by Nevada history, and visit an underwater town that has been given a second chance to tell its story!

MEETUP INFO:
We will meet at 8am in the parking lot of the Historic St. Thomas Loop Trailhead.

This is around a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Las Vegas, so please plan accordingly to arrive on time. Add in a few extra minutes to pay the entry fee (below) as there is often a line of vehicles on weekend mornings.

You will have to drive about 3 miles along a dirt road to reach the parking lot. This should be suitable for most vehicles, but there may be some washboarding, ruts, holes and rocks.

Note: Be careful that GPS does not route you through Valley of Fire or you will need to pay admission fee for that park as well!

MEETUP FEES:
There is a $25 fee (per vehicle) to enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area. There are kiosks at the entrances where you can pay this charge. If you have an America the Beautiful pass that will cover this entrance fee.

There is no additional Meetup fee for this event.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY:
This event requires a strenuous hike carrying your gear up to 2.5-3 miles across a variety of desert surfaces including loose sand, dirt, and gravel. The most challenging spot is the start/end of the trail where you will need to traverse a steep incline with loose dirt and rocks. This hike is completely exposed to the sun (no shade at all), so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat!

DESERT PHOTO EXPLORERS LIABILITY DISCLAIMER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK:
By submitting your RSVP and participating in any Desert Photo Explorers event, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Assumption of Risk: You understand and voluntarily accept that outdoor activities such as hiking, off-roading, and photography carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, property damage, or other unforeseen harm. You agree to assume full responsibility for your participation and the participation of your guest(s).
2. Release of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and discharge the Organizer(s), Event Host(s), and any affiliated individuals or entities from any and all liability for injury, damage, loss, or claims arising from your participation in any event, including those caused by negligence.
3. Personal Responsibility: You confirm that you have reviewed all event instructions, understand the requirements, and agree to participate at your own risk. You are solely responsible for assessing your physical fitness, skills, and preparedness to participate in any event.
4. Guest Responsibility: If you bring guest(s), you agree to communicate these terms to them and accept responsibility for their compliance.

By submitting your RSVP, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this liability disclaimer and assumption of risk. You further agree that your RSVP submission constitutes your electronic signature.