Mt Wilson Summit from Lovell Canyon | Rainbow Mountains, Nevada

The traditional summit route to Mt. Wilson (elevation 7,071ft) is from First Creek Canyon below. But did you know it was also possible to descend to the summit of Mt. Wilson from the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline above? This entire, fairly isolated back-wilderness route is a class 2-3 walk, though along some steep slopes. The reward is incredible–a famous, prominent summit seen from Las Vegas and beyond! Click the image or title above for more detail.

Mt Wilson Summit Saddle from Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Hike from Lovell Canyon to the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline above Mt. Wilson. Then, descend from the ridgeline to the saddle between the ridgeline and Mt. Wilson. Here we explore that steep slope between the Rainbow Mts. Upper Crest Ridgeline and the Mt. Wilson Summit Saddle. Best time of year for this adventure is mid-Spring through Fall. Late June through early August may bring uncomfortably high heat. Click the image or title above for details.

Mt Wilson to Juniper Peak | Rainbow Mountains, Nevada

Traverse the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline in Nevada from Mt Wilson to Juniper Peak. Beginning on Lovell Canyon Road, ascend to the Upper Crest Ridgeline above Mt. Wilson, head North to the ridgeline above Juniper Peak, then descend again into Lovell Canyon. Click the image or title above for more detail.

North Ridge of South Spring Canyon | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Ascend from Lovell Canyon to the Wilson Ridge via the North Ridge of South Spring Canyon, Nevada. This adventure reaches 6,300ft on the Wilson Ridge before being stopped by a 20ft ledge. Observed another more promising ascent ridge just to the North.

Red Rock Summit | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Take a long, sometimes narrow and rocky approach ridge to the Wilson Ridge parallel to and above Rocky Gap Road to a prominent high point where Red Rock Summit commands the scene directly North. View the Northern and Southern stretch of the Wilson Ridge, the Northern Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline, Lovell Canyon, Harris and Mummy Mountains, Griffith Peak, the Las Vegas Strip and much more! Click the image or title above for more detail.

Red Rock Summit Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Ascend the Wilson Ridge above and North of Rocky Gap Road to Red Rock Summit. Then traverse the ridge North two high points beyond Red Rock Summit. Finally descend a long gradual approach ridge back to Lovell Canyon Road. About 95% of this adventure is pure, wild, pathless wilderness. 360-degree views along the Wilson Ridge are spectacular. There’s some complicated navigation around brush, boulders, loose rock and ledges, but nothing beyond class 2 climbing. Click the image or title above for more detail.

Rocky Gap Rd to Bridge Mt Trailhead | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Take Rocky Gap Road from Lovell Canyon Road to Bridge Mountain Trailhead. Scope out potential access to Wilson Ridge North and South. The Wilson Ridge crosses Rocky Gap Road near the summit area of that road. This area is key to completing the Wilson Ridge both North and South along with important connections to The Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline and the Keystone Thrust Cliffs ridge access to the La Madre Mountains. Discover the interconnection of all these ridge systems. Click the image or title above for details…

Schaefer Springs Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Schaefer Springs Loop in Lovell Canyon NV, is a quick loop extension of the Lovell Canyon Loop featuring expansive views up and down Lovell Canyon. Since the Schaefer Springs Loop Trail spans both the East and West side of Lovell Canyon, the views expand to include the high ridges on both sides of the canyon including Sexton Ridge, the canyon’s Western border; Wilson Ridge, the canyon’s Eastern Border and Griffith Peak and Harris Mountain at the upper end of Lovell Canyon. Route Details: 1.6 Miles; Good Trail. Rapidly growing brush can obscure parts at times, but many cairns help keep you on track.

Sexton Ridge Descent from Griffith Peak | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Sexton Ridge is rarely if ever traveled by humans in part due to the difficulty getting there. The route taken today from Griffith Peak Summit involves ascending Griffith Peak twice, beginning at the Charleston South Climb Trailhead at Cathedral Rock, ascending about 3,500ft to the 11,060ft summit of Griffith Peak, descending Sexton Ridge on the far side of Griffith Peak (I descended about 1,800ft today), then re-ascending back to the summit of Griffith Peak before heading back down to the South Climb Trailhead. Psychologically, it’s difficult to gear yourself up to ascend Griffith Peak twice!

Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada

Last Updated on May 19, 2025 by David Smith Sexton Ridge Map .pdf Lovell Canyon Map .pdf Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Wilderness Area Brochure .pdf Adventure Video Will Appear Here Overview | Switchback Spring North Loop | Lovell Canyon, Nevada Adventure to Occur Fall or Spring Soon! Trailhead Directions | Switchback […]