Totem Pole Cove

Overview

Totem Pole Cove is a small, officially named bay on Lake Mohave—part of the broader Lake Mead National Recreation Area. It’s a simple, scenic nook of shoreline: no developed beach scene, just rock, water, and desert slopes. If you’re after solitude and a low‑key stop between bigger lake days, this fits the bill.

How to Get There

Plan on arriving by water. The nearest full‑service launches are Cottonwood Cove on the Nevada side and Katherine Landing on the Arizona side. There’s no park‑maintained road or facilities at the cove itself, so think of this as a boat‑in or paddle‑in destination rather than a drive‑up stop.

What to Expect on the Water

Shoreline here is primitive—great for a quiet pull‑in and a swim stop when conditions are calm. A solar‑powered floating restroom is stationed at the cove, which helps keep the shoreline clean, but don’t expect anything else in the way of services. Open water and prevailing winds can whip up chop quickly; check the forecast and be ready to adjust plans.

Context: How This Cove Came to Be

Lake Mohave was formed when Davis Dam was completed in the early 1950s, flooding side canyons along the Colorado River and creating today’s string of coves like this one. The setting sits between desert mountain ranges, with layers of rock and erosion carving the indented shoreline you’ll navigate.

Safety and Regulations Snapshot

This stretch is within the Mohave National Water Trail corridor—beautiful but largely undeveloped. Standard lake rules apply: boats must carry required safety gear, including a sound‑producing device, navigation lights (even for paddlecraft), and other equipment appropriate to your vessel. Age restrictions and emissions rules apply to motorized craft; older two‑stroke personal watercraft that don’t meet modern standards aren’t allowed.

Is It Worth It?

If you want amenities and easy road access, skip it. If you’re boating Lake Mohave and value a mellow pull‑out with minimal crowds and a handy floating restroom, Totem Pole Cove is a pleasant, under‑the‑radar stop.

Best Time to Visit

There are no posted hours—time your visit around calm wind forecasts and your launch ramp status. Weekdays and low‑wind days make for the most relaxed experience.