Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop | Rainbow Mts. Wilderness, Nevada
Overview | Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop | Rainbow Mts. Wilderness, Nevada
This adventure takes in two significant peaks and one canyon at the very Southern end of Nevada’s colorful Rainbow Mountain range. There’s a lot of unique variety. And during this incredible day of total wilderness immersion you’ll experience the Southern tip of the colorful Rainbow Mountain range in all its glory!
Adventure Route Summary
The adventure route ascends the canyon between South Peak’s long ridgeline above to the South and the towering cliffs of Hollow Rock Peak above to the North. Near the canyon’s upper saddle take a right up an approach gully, navigating the sandstone cliffs and ledges to Hollow Rock Peak summit. Retrace your way back down to the canyon’s summit saddle, then take a left (South) to ascend the very Western edge of South Peak’s surprisingly long ridgeline. Turn East to navigate the ridgeline and it’s many high points along the way to the Eastern edge of the ridgeline. Descend the long slope’s gradual, then steep inclines to arrive at your starting point at the base of the canyon between the two peaks.
Alternate Adventure Route from Above
This is a route to the two peaks from below. You can also descend to the peaks from the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline above. The two routes intersect at a few points. However, the descent from above makes including both peaks a much longer endeavor as you’ll end up traversing the peak’s long ridgelines twice! Here are some connecting routes from above. Both begin at the Mountain Springs Trailhead:
Variety of Unique Views Along the Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop Route
Here is a short list of the spectacular views you will experience during this adventure. Note that the perspective constantly changes as you progress and as the lighting of the sun changes throughout the day. Each of the views listed below have their optimal photo opportunity based on the time of day.
Views From the summit of Hollow Rock Peak:
- Rainbow Mountains & Upper Crest Ridgeline with outstanding views of Windy Peak to the North and South Peak to the South
- Las Vegas Valley and Strip
- Nevada Mt. Wilson and Arizona Mt. Wilson seen at the same time!
- Lake Mead
- Blue Diamond Hill
- Summerlin Ridge
- Gass Peak
- Sheep Range
- La Madre Mountains Ridgeline
- Mt. Charleston Wilderness
- Potosi Mountain
- The beautiful plateau I call “South of South Peak” (see explanation below)
Views From the Long Summit Ridgeline of South Peak
You’ll see all of the views listed above from a South Peak’s ridgeline’s unique perspective plus:
- Hollow Rock Peak and Its Ridgeline
- Landmark Bluff at the Entrance of Lovell Canyon
Variety of Challenging Terrain Along the Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop Route
There are long gradual slopes, some complicated boulder and brush navigation in the approach canyon, steep loose rock inclines, sandstone cliffs and ledges, narrow ridgeline traverses. All that said, at no point will you need to exceed a class 3 level of rock scrambling, and the majority of the time you’re on a class 2 walk. Be in good shape because the total effort can easily exceed the effort of a marathon. This is an early dawn to late dusk adventure for most hikers, so give yourself maximum daylight time. We walked this route in about 8-9 hours including breaks on the peaks.
Variety of Plants Along the Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop Route
There’s a point during the video where I stand in one place about mid-way up the approach canyon between the two peaks and point out a few of the many plant varieties I can see from that spot. The list includes: Pinyon Pine, Yucca, California Barrel Cactus, Mormon Tea, Ashy Silk Tassel, Manzanita, and a number of other plant varieties. In addition, you’re likely to encounter wild burros wandering on the terrain on the Eastern base of the two peaks. These were abandoned by miners who explored and mined the area’s minerals in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Their descendants, extremely well adapted to the harsh desert environment, thrived and multiplied. Don’t approach them. Though they look cute, then can have mean personalities and are very protective.
Best Time of Year for This Adventure
Due to extremely high mid-Summer mid-day heat (approaching 110 degrees), the best time of year for this adventure is mid-late Fall through early-mid Spring. Stay away within 24 hours of the latest rain when the sandstone can become a slick skating rink, and avoid snow and ice days for the same reason. There is some significant exposure in places, but when the surface is dry there is good traction.
Route Starting Point Directions | Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop | Rainbow Mts. Wilderness, Nevada
Take I-215 to the Charleston Blvd. Exit in Summerlin, then head upward toward Red Rock Park. Pass Red Rock Park, continuing on Hwy 159. Pass the town of Blue Diamond, then turn right onto Hwy 160 toward Pahrump. Take a right onto the first unpaved road off Hwy 160 past the Late Night Trailhead. Park here if you do not have a 4WD vehicle, or continue on this road taking the first left branch until you get as close as possible to the base of the canyon between South Peak (to the left) and Hollow Rock Peak (to the right).
Narrative Guide | Hollow Rock & South Peaks Loop | Rainbow Mts. Wilderness, Nevada
Getting Your Initial Bearings
You can see the main points of the entire adventure route from the base of the canyon between the two peaks. There’s Hollow Rock Peak on the right, South Peak on the left and the approach canyon between. You’re going to head up the approach canyon (mostly along the canyon base on the right/North side), then on up to Hollow Rock Peak, then over to South Peak’s long ridgeline, finally descending the slope at the Western end of that ridgeline. Take a good look at the terrain winding down South Peak’s Western ridgeline. You’ll be following a big circular route as you descend the most gradual, natural route to the base of South Peak.
Starting Point to the Base of the Approach Canyon
Route a course toward the lower left side of the approach canyon following the natural terrain of low ridges. As you follow the natural terrain, a faint trail will appear near the base of the canyon. Don’t rely entirely on the trail as it tends to appear and disappear at points along the way. The trail actually continues all the way up the canyon and, at many points, is there to reassure you’re on route. Notice a few rocky outcrops at the base of the canyon on the North (Hollow Rock Peak) side. The formations are just below the Hollow Rock Peak cliffs. Aim for those formations. Now cross the wash from the lower South to the North side of the canyon continuing toward the rocky formations. There will be some light brush and boulder navigation during the canyon crossing, but the way gets less complicated as you reach the base of the rock formations, and you’re hopefully on that faint trail! If not, just aim for the rock formations and the trail will appear.
Navigating Up the Approach Canyon
Continue on the faint trail, ascending the approach canyon about a couple hundred feet above the wash on the right (North) side. You’re even closer to the base of the vertical cliffs above to your right. It’s the logical sweet spot between the wash and the base of the cliffs. There are a couple ridgeline bumps to navigate over and around along the way. After the last large ridgeline bump you’ll descend into the canyon wash for some fun light bouldering. At points you’ll cross over to the left (South) side of the approach canyon above its baseline wash. Pick out your best route. Multiple choices present themselves.
Approach Gully Choices to Hollow Rock Peak’s Summit
The upper saddle of the approach canyon will eventually appear above. At this point, be watching for approach gullies ascending toward Hollow Rock Peak. Three approach gullies appeared to me. The first, untested, had a cairn and looked promising. The third, upper approach gully at the canyon saddle definitely works. But the best approach gully is the one just before the canyon’s upper saddle. This was the summit approach gully of choice today.
Approach Gully to Hollow Rock Peak Summit
That second approach gully is fairly gradual and without major obstacles. I ascended favoring the left (East) side of the gully. Near the gully summit watch for a cairn above and to the right. That’s a good crossover point to the next and final approach gully to Hollow Rock Peak summit. In fact, you get your first view of Hollow Rock Peak above, and it’s not too far away — must the upper end of one more intervening gully to cross. In fact, remember that first ascent gully possibility from the main canyon below. I believe this intervening gully is the upper end of that first gully. Not sure if there are steep vertical areas below. If not, that first gully might have been a better choice. Worth exploring!
I did not climb the hollow rock boulder on Hollow Rock Peak summit. It’s pretty vertical…and you’re in an isolated location. Leave it to the more experienced, adventurous rock climbers. The hollow rock is huge, but a 20ft ascent would do it. There has been a rope there in the past. I did not use the rope on the earlier summit as I don’t trust ropes that have been left exposed to the elements and where I cannot see the supporting anchor above.
By the way, as you look upward toward the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline to the West and North, notice the distinctive line between the colorful red rock and the darker limestone above. This is with world-famous Keystone Thrust Fault Line! Take time to notice all the other near and distant points of reference mentioned above. Note Wendy Peak just to the North and South Peak’s long ridgeline to the South. That ridgeline will be your next destination today.
Another quick note: Remember that plateau peak I referred to earlier as “South of South Peak”? Though unnamed, it’s technically the most Southern peak in the Rainbow Mountains, located to the Southwest of South Peak. There’s a large summit plateau, beautifully positioned to face the sun and thus become quite the cactus sanctuary! That’s a future adventure we’ll document, hopefully soon!
Hollow Rock Peak Summit to the Western Edge of South Peak’s Summit Ridgeline
Retrace your way back to the main approach canyon. Only, this time, as you descend the final stretch on the approach gully, angle over to the right (West) side of the gully. Round the lower edge of the gully to arrive on the approach canyon’s saddle. Cross the saddle and begin winding your way up the West edge of South Peak’s Summit Ridgeline. There’s a faint, cairned trail to help guide you. If you can’t find the trail, just wind your way upward favoring the outer Western edge of the ridgeline.
Alternately, you could descend toward Highway 160 below, then circle around the Southern base of South Peak. You could also head back down the canyon between the two peaks. But these alternate descent routes would not save you much time, if any, and you’d miss South Peak’s spectacular ridgeline and summit point!
South Peak Ridgeline from West to East
Hollow Rock Peak’s ridgeline seems to go on forever! And, it’s the poster child for false summits! There are at least five rocky high points which are small peaks in themselves. Every time you round one high point, a couple more appear in the distance ahead.
If you try to go over the top of the rocky high points, most have a vertical drop on their far side. So, we found it easier to navigate around the left or right side of the high points. I can’t remember specifically which high point was best navigated to the left and which was best navigated to the right. The video might be more clear. You can work it out by experimentation. It’s a fun puzzle. The surface around the edges of the rocky high points is loose rock and there is exposure below. But careful foot placement makes it possible, and it’s pretty much class 2 walking with some light rock scrambling.
Descending the Eastern End of South Peak’s Ridgeline
The last rocky high point on South Peak’s ridgeline has a summit cairn, even though it’s not the highest point on the ridgeline. I remember that rounding that final high point was on the left (North) side of the high point, then circle up to the summit. From that final high point you can see a more gradual slope descending to the valley below where you started at the beginning of the day. For your descent route, descend near the upper left (North) side of the ridgeline. That’s the side in the shade later in the day.
At first, the slope is refreshingly gradual with no obstacles. It’s like a gentle, grassy hill. About half-way down it turns a bit evil as the angle of incline increases and you’re weaving around boulder on a steep loose rock surface. But you begin to see the valley below and various routes all the way down to the valley. You can also see the road where you parked your vehicle. Pick your best route and continue circling downward. Soon enough you’ll land at the base of the ridgeline!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully summited the two most Southern peaks in the Rainbow Mountains! You have a new, personal experience and understanding of this unique range of colorful Jurassic Era sandstone peaks and the Red Rock Canyon below, extending North all the way to the Willow Creek area at the base of the La Madre Mountain ridgeline in upper Red Rock Canyon! It’s all one continuous spectacular wilderness and today you have been a part of it!
