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Las Vegas Area Trails | Find Hiking and Running Trails within 150 Miles of Las Vegas, Nevada | David Smith

Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Witness Spectacular Views of Calico Basin, Brownstone Basin and Beyond Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Pick Half Wilson Trail on Right at Gene’s Trailhead on Calico Basin Road Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Top First Hill, Set Sites on Target: Gray Cap Ridge to Right of Kraft Mt. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Continue Half Wilson Trail Around Right Base of Peak 3844 Hill and Next Hill. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Half Wilson Trail Ends on a Brownstone Basin Wash. Round Right Side of Next Hill. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Before Next Hill View Target: Gray Cap Ridge & Its Prominent Southeast Summit. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Round That Next Hill to Lower Gray Cap Ridge Saddle on Opposite Side. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Ascend to Lower Gray Cap Ridge Saddle. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Locate Rock-Lined Lower Gray Cap Ridge Trail Near Calico Basin Edge of Saddle. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Enjoy 3 Spectacular Viewpoints Along the Trail. This Overlooks Calico Basin. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Overlook Brownstone Basin and Las Vegas Valley to the East. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Continue Up Gray Cap Ridgeline Trail Toward First Target: Southeastern Summit. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada SE Summit Appears Vertical from Distance. More Gradual When You’re There. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Pass Survey Marker, Trail Ends, One More High Point, Before SE Summit. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Final Summit Approach Steep, But a Gradual Incline Walk. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Increasingly Expansive View from Last High Point Before Summit. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Easily Weave Your Way Through Boulders, Circle Right Side of Red Boulder Ahead. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Views Continually Expand. Like Being on a Mountaintop All the Way! Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Gray Cap Ridge Southeastern Summit Arrival! Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Note Trail Across Brownstone Basin Toward Little Red Rock. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Enlarged View of Little Red Rock, Owned by Howard Hughes Corporation. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Upper Ridgeline View Toward Gray Cap Peak, Behind High Point Ahead. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada NW View Takes in Turtlehead Peak, Rainbow Mts, Kraft Mt. and More. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Northern View Takes in La Madre Ridgeline, Damsel Peak and Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Enlarged View of Red Sandstone Summit Area Beyond Next High Point on Ridge. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Continuing Beyond SE Summit, Just Descended This Brief Rock Scramble. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back to Vertical Cliffs Lining East Side of Ridge. West Side Also Vertical. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Toward SE Summit. Ridgeline Center is Wide, Relatively Easy Traverse. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Forward. Stay on Ridgeline Center, Navigate Next High Points. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Along Ridgeline Toward SE Summit. Was Easy but Careful Navigation. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Ahead. High Points to Easily Weave. Next Openings Only Visible When Close. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Around Next High Point: Descent to Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Peak Ahead. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Larger View of Brownstone Basin Descent Slope. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back to SE Summit. Navigation Was Easier Than It Looks. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Rounding Last High Point Before Brownstone Descent Slope. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Toward Calico Basin. Blue Diamond Hill Beyond Kraft Mt. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Round High Point, Descend at Central Pinnacle. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View West. Pink Goblin Loop Circles Brown New Peak (Center). Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Begin Brownstone Basin Descent. Brief Class 3 Stretch to Gradual Slope Below. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Arrival At Gradual Descent Slope! Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Weave Downward Through Beautiful Red Rock Stretch. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Will Land in Brownstone Basin Just Southeast of Damsel Peak. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Toward Gray Cap Peak Beyond High Point. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Down Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Ridge on Right. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Larger View of Vegas Strip. Arizona Mt. Wilson High Peak Beyond. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Up Brownstone Basin To La Madre Mts. Ridgeline Cliffs. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Up to Gray Cap Ridgeline Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Down Gray Cap Ridgeline While Descending Brownstone Basin Wash. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada More Complete View Back Up Gray Cap Ridgeline from Further Below. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Larger View Back Up Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Toward Half Wilson Trail, Circles Left Side of Peak 3844 Hill Ahead. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada View Back Across Calico Basin. Kraft Mt. Center, Gray Cap Ridge Right. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Half Wilson Trail Connection at East Base of Peak 3844 Hill. Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop, Nevada Return to Gene’s Trailhead on Half Wilson Trail Around Base of Peak 3844 Hill. Witness Spectacular Views of Calico Basin, Brownstone Basin and Beyond | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Pick Half Wilson Trail on Right at Gene’s Trailhead on Calico Basin Road | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Top First Hill, Set Sites on Target: Gray Cap Ridge Between Damsel Peak and Kraft Mt. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Continue Half Wilson Trail Around Right Base of Peak 3844 Hill and Next Hill Ahead. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Half Wilson Trail Ends on a Brownstone Basin Wash. Round Right Side of Next Hill. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Before Next Hill View Target: Gray Cap Ridge & Its Prominent Southeast Summit. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Round That Next Hill to Lower Gray Cap Ridge Saddle on Opposite Side. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Ascend to Lower Gray Cap Ridge Saddle. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Locate Rock-Lined Lower Gray Cap Ridge Trail Near Calico Basin Edge of Saddle. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Enjoy at Least 3 Spectacular Viewpoints Along the Trail. This Overlooks Calico Basin. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Overlook Brownstone Basin and Las Vegas Valley to the East. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Continue Up Trail on Gray Cap Ridgeline Toward First Target: Southeastern Summit. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Southeastern Summit Appears Vertical from Distance. More Gradual When You’re There. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Pass Survey Marker, Trail Ends, One More High Point, Before Southeastern Summit. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Final Summit Approach Steep, But a Gradual Incline Walk. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Increasingly Expansive View from Last High Point Before Summit. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Easily Weave Your Way Through Boulders, Circle Right Side of Reddish Boulder Ahead. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Views Continually Expand as You Ascend. Like Being on a Mountaintop All the Way! | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Gray Cap Ridge Southeastern Summit Arrival! | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Note Brownstone Basin Trail Below Toward Little Red Rock. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Enlarged View of Little Red Rock, Owned by Howard Hughes Corporation. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Upper Ridgeline View Toward Gray Cap Peak, Behind High Point Ahead. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada NW View Takes in Turtlehead Peak, Rainbow Mts, Kraft Mt. and More. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Northern View Takes in La Madre Ridgeline, Damsel Peak and Brownstone Basin. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Enlarged View of Red Sandstone Summit Area Beyond Next High Point on Ridge. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Continuing Beyond SE Summit, Just Descended This Brief Rock Scramble. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back to Vertical Cliffs Lining East Side of Ridge. West Side Also Vertical. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Toward SE Summit. Ridgeline Center is Wide, Relatively Easy Traverse. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Forward. Stay on Ridgeline Center, Navigate Next High Points. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Along Ridgeline Toward SE Summit. Was Easy but Careful Navigation. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Ahead. High Points to Easily Weave. Next Openings Only Visible When Close. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Around Next High Point is a Gradual Descent to Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Peak Ahead. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Larger View of Brownstone Basin Descent Slope. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back to SE Summit. Navigation Was Easier Than it Looks. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Rounding Last High Point Before Brownstone Descent Slope. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Toward Calico Basin. Blue Diamond Hill Beyond Kraft Mt. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Round High Point, Descend at Central Pinnacle. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View West. Pink Goblin Loop Circles Brown New Peak (Center). | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Begin Brownstone Basin Descent. Brief Class 3 Stretch Gets You to Gradual Slope Below. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Arrival At Gradual Descent Slope! | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Weave Downward Through Beautiful Red Rock Stretch. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Will Land in Brownstone Basin Just Southeast of Damsel Peak. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Toward Gray Cap Peak Beyond High Point. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Down Brownstone Basin. Gray Cap Ridge on Right. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Larger View of Vegas Strip. Arizona Mt. Wilson High Peak Beyond. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Up Brownstone Basin To La Madre Mts. Ridgeline Cliffs. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Up to Gray Cap Ridgeline | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Down Gray Cap Ridgeline While Descending Brownstone Basin Wash. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada More Complete View Back Up Gray Cap Ridgeline from Further Below. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Larger View Back Up Brownstone Basin. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Navigating Back Toward Half Wilson Trail, Circles Left Side of Peak 3844 Hill Ahead. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada View Back Across Calico Basin as Approaching Peak 3844 Hill. Kraft Mt. Center, Gray Cap Ridge Right. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Half Wilson Trail Connection at East Base of Peak 3844 Hill. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada Return to Gene’s Trailhead on Half Wilson Trail Around Base of Peak 3844 Hill. | Gray Cap Ridge / Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada
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Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

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Overview | Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

What Views Will You See Along the Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop?

The Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop offers spectacular views of a huge slice of Southern Nevada wilderness including:

This is just a short list, there are many points beyond! And traversing the 4-mile long Gray Cap Ridgeline, towering over Kraft Mountain, is like being on a mountaintop the entire way!

How Difficult is the Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop?

To make this adventure even better, it can all be done at a walk with very little brief scrambling over a few rocky sections along the way. That is, pertaining to the substantial stretch of Gray Cap Ridge documented in this adventure. On the day of this adventure I had not yet gone all the way along Gray Cap Ridge to Gray Cap Peak, so I cannot vouch for that last quarter to half-mile stretch. But that’s not included in this loop adventure.

What is the Route of the Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop?

There are a series of pretty good, but unmarked trails that will get you nearly all the way to Gray Cap Ridgeline’s Southern Summit. The narrative guide below and the video guide and slide guides on this page will get you around the loop. Here is a quick summary of the loop route:

  • Start at Gene’s Trailhead on lower Calico Basin Road
  • Take the Half Wilson Trail to Brownstone Basin
  • Round the East side of a hill at the base of Gray Cap Ridge and ascend to the ridgeline saddle between that saddle and the lower end of Gray Cap Ridgeline
  • At the saddle, catch a nice rock-lined trail I call The Gray Cap Lower Ridgeline Trail.
  • Where that nice trail ends at a survey marker, head for the obvious high point further up the ridgeline: Gray Cap Ridgeline Southeastern Summit
  • Continue beyond the Southeastern Summit for about a half-mile to a descent point into Brownstone Basin.
  • Take Brownstone Basin Road back to the Half Wilson Trail
  • Take the Half Wilson Trail back to Gene’s Trailhead

This may sound a bit complicated, but the entire route, except for a few brief rock scrambles, can be done at a walk. It’s fairly easy to stay on course as for much of the route you’re traversing the center of a nice wide ridgeline and it’s obvious if you stray too far to the right of the left you’ll be facing the edge of a huge drop-off. But the ridgeline is wide, there is no exposure to a fall as long as you stay near the center of the ridgeline!

What is the Best Time of Year for the Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop?

The best time of year for this adventure is Spring or Fall. Though most days throughout the Winter are snow and ice-free, there are a few days where you need to watch the weather. Mid-Summer can bring temperatures exceeding 100 degrees, so June through August is questionable.

Trailhead Directions | Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

From Hwy 215 in the Summerlin area, take the Charleston Blvd exit, turn upward (West) on Charleston Blvd toward the mountains. Charleston Blvd becomes Blue Diamond Rd. (159) as you leave the city. Take the Calico Basin exit off 159 (right turn) onto Calico Basin Road. Park at Gene’s Trailhead near the beginning of Calico Basin Road.

Adventure Description | Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada

Gene’s Trailhead to the Brownstone Basin

As you’re standing at Gene’s Trailhead facing toward Las Vegas, you’ll see 3 trails. The trail to your left is Gene’s Trail which takes you toward Kraft Mountain. The center trail angles more toward Peak 3844, the large hill immediately in front of you. It also eventually heads toward Kraft Mountain. You want the trail to the right.

The trail to the right is the Half Wilson Trail. It makes a wide circuit around the right (South) base of the huge hill with Peak 3844 as its summit. Not far along the Half Wilson Trail there is an opening in the hills to your left through which you can see Gray Cap Ridge. This is a good place to become familiar with the look of Gray Cap Ridge and its Southeastern Summit. The sight of that summit will be a good reference point along the way. The Half Wilson Trail continues around the base of Peak 3844 and its large hill before emptying into a wash in Brownstone Basin near some powerlines. A second, even better view of Gray Cap Ridge and its prominent Southeastern Summit now appears.

Brownstone Basin to the Lower Gray Cap Ridgeline Saddle

Don’t head for Gray Cap Ridge yet. Once in the wash in Brownstone Basin, set your sites on the next hill ahead beyond Peak 3844 hill. You want to circle around the right base of that hill. To do so, follow the washes that lead more directly toward the right (East) base of that hill. As you circle the hill, hugging the right base, a trail will appear. That trail will guide you around the opposite side of the hill and up to a low saddle between that hill and the lower Gray Cap Ridgeline.

The Lower Gray Cap Ridgeline Trail 

Once you’re on the saddle, be watching for some cairns to your right near the far edge of the saddle. You’ll know you’re there because you’re now looking down into Calico Basin straight ahead. These cairns are the beginning of the nice rock-lined trail I call the Lower Gray Cap Ridgeline Trail. Take a right onto the rock-lined trail as that trail guides you up lower Gray Cap Ridgeline. Now the prominent Gray Cap Ridgeline Southeastern Summit is clearly visible ahead. Though it looks from where you are standing like a vertical cliff, don’t worry. When you eventually reach the final summit approach the cliff-like terrain will disappear and you’ll basically be walking up a steep hill to that summit. By the way, if you loose the rock-lined Lower Gray Cap Ridgeline Trail along the way, just continue ascending along the center of the ridgeline and the trail will reappear!

Back below on the Gray Cap Lower Ridgeline Trail, there are two spectacular viewpoints not far up, and just a few steps from the trail. You could enjoy the view then turn around at either of these high points making this a 4-5-mile out and back trip.

Continuing past the second high viewpoint, you’ll come across a survey marker right on the trail. You can’t miss it. This is where the trail begins to fade out and soon end.

Final Approach to the Gray Cap Ridge Southeastern Summit

There’s a large high point ahead just beyond the survey marker and not far beyond that, the huge Southern Summit of Gray Cap Ridge. Just head for those two high points choosing the route of least resistance. The boulders become larger as you go, but it’s easy to weave your way around and through them at an easy, but steep, walk. Each high point view is more spectacular than the previous. You could turn around after enjoying the view at the high point beyond the survey marker or at the Southeastern Summit making this an amazing 8-10-mile round trip.

As you approach the Southeastern Summit, notice a reddish rocky outcrop near the summit. Plan to pass to the right of that outcrop during the final summit approach. In fact, I’ve found it good to hug the East side of the ridge (the Brownstone Basin side) and find the most gradual summit approach route along the upper edge of the ridge.

Arrival On the Gray Cap Ridge Southeastern Summit

The view from the Southeastern Summit is the most spectacular yet including all the landmarks listed above, and you could turn around there and retrace your steps back to Gene’s Trailhead. If you choose to continue further up the ridgeline beyond the Southeastern Summit, your best route back would be to eventually find a route down into Brownstone Basin, which is the loop documented in the article, video and slideshow on this page. This is because the ridgeline beyond the Southeast Summit, though still a relatively easy walk, is pretty complicated. After a series of trial and error route decisions…which were not too difficult…it felt easier to me to exit the ridgeline down into Brownstone Basin than retrace my steps to the Southeastern Summit.

Continuing Along Gray Cap Ridge Beyond the Southeastern Summit

Gray Cap Ridgeline beyond the Southeastern Summit is a wide, beautiful mountaintop experience with the feeling of an isolated “land that time forgot“. Enjoy! It’s pretty obvious that you need to choose a route along the center of the ridge because there are vertical drop-offs on either side. But not to worry, you don’t need to get near those drop-offs! Just keep in mind an important navigation strategy: Don’t descend any rock or ledge that you cannot re-ascend! You don’t want to ever become trapped below a drop-off you descended, only to be faced with another unexpected drop-off ahead which you cannot descend. In this scenario, you can’t continue forward and you can’t go back. This is a situation called being “cliffed out”.

Continuing to the Brownstone Basin Descent Route

The ridgeline now becomes a series of rocky hills to navigate. Still, possible to do so at a walk without any danger of being “cliffed out”. I believe it’s after the third rocky hill that you can look down the fairly level descend into Brownstone Basin documented in the video loop adventure on this page. On this first adventure on upper Gray Cap Ridge I wanted to document as many escape routes as possible. The Brownstone Basin descent route, along with returning to the Southeastern High Point make two good descent routes.

Side Note: If You Continued Further Toward Gray Cap Peak…

If you continued along the ridgeline for another half-mile (which I did not do on this day) you’d eventually arrive at Gray Cap Peak. I can’t vouch for the next stretch toward Gray Cap Peak. It looks pretty steep and rocky, but so did the Southeastern Summit from below. I hear it’s possible, and will return to explore that final stretch to the peak!

Descent to Brownstone Basin Road

On this day, I descended into Brownstone Basin. It was possible to weave around the rocks and ledges on the way down, always at a walk. Just choose your route carefully! The angle of descent continues to decrease as the terrain levels out. Eventually you’ll reach a red rock sandstone stretch. Still an easy walk unless you make it more difficult. And all along the descent, you can see your target, Brownstone Basin Road, clearly ahead with no intervening obstacles! Finally you’ll land on Brownstone Road in the Brownstone Basin.

From Brownstone Basin Road Back to Gene’s Trailhead

Take a right on Brownstone Road and head down the Brownstone Basin, hugging the lower left side of Gray Cap Ridgeline. Sticking to the lower left side of Gray Cap Ridgeline you’ll eventually branch off along a smaller wash to your right. You’ll recognize the lower ridgeline saddle you ascended earlier to your right. Continue downward in the wash hugging the now familiar base of the hill below that saddle. Then, cross under the powerlines ahead to relocate the Half Wilson Trail not far beyond. The Half Wilson Trail will take you back to Gene’s Trailhead. Loop completed! Congratulations!

Summary of the Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop

In this 10-12-mile loop adventure, you’ve risen to non-stop spectacular views, navigated a wild pathless ridgeline and seen a huge slice of Southern Nevada wilderness! This may well have been an unforgettable experience and a huge accomplishment! And it involved no heroic rock climbing or exposure to a life-threatening drop-off. It was all an amazing walk! 

Summary
Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada
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Gray Cap Ridge Brownstone Basin Loop | La Madre Mountains Wilderness, Nevada
Description
Beginning at Gene's Trailhead in the Calico Basin, traverse most of Gray Cap Ridgeline from the SE Summit, then return to the Calico Basin by way of the Brownstone Trail and Road.
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LasVegasAreaTrails.com
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About David Smith

David Smith on Mt Charleston summit outside of Las Vegas, NevadaDavid Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!

Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…

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Disclaimer

The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!

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