Lee to Kyle Canyon | Overview | Mt. Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Introduction | Lee to Kyle Canyon Overview | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Value of a Route from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon

There are no trails from Lee Canyon to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon. A route from Lee Canyon to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon makes it possible to then reach the Mt. Charleston Loop along with all points in Kyle Canyon including Lee Peak, Charleston Peak, Griffith Peak, Mummy Mountain, Fletcher Peak and more! In addition, since there are no trails, the wilderness routes are pristine and wild, ascending from the Ponderosa Pine Zone to the Bristlecone Pine Zone. Yes, you could just drive to Kyle Canyon and take the Mt. Charleston Loop to all these destinations, but the traverse from Lee Canyon is untouched and pretty amazing! In this overview of approaches from Lee Canyon Road to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon I began by taking a number of photos (in the Slide Guide) and a few videos from points along the base of Lee Canyon to higher perspectives from across Lee Canyon while ascending to Black Rock Sister. These will give you a big picture view of the terrain between Lee Canyon and Kyle Canyon. You can see this terrain from above in the various Mummy Mountain adventures on this site.

What to Expect while Navigating from Lee Canyon to the Upper Rim of Kyle Canyon

No trails. Pure wilderness. Avalanche slopes. A few places involving class 3 limestone ledge scrambling. Totally isolated area. It goes without saying, “Proceed at your own risk.” But prepare for pure peace and solitude (you will see no one) and spectacular views! Definitely have wilderness navigation experience and skills.

4 Approaches from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon

In the Slide Guide and Video Guide I identify 4 potential approaches from Lee Canyon Road to the summit of Kyle Canyon. Here they are listed from Lee Peak to Mummy Mountain:

1. Gradual Mid Ridge Approach: This approach begins across from the Lee Canyon Meadow and gradually ascends to the summit of a plateau that connects with the Mt. Charleston Loop Trail about a mile or two South of Lee Peak.
2. Foxtail Canyon Approach: This approach begins at the lower end of the circle on Lee Canyon Road, goes through and above the Foxtail Group Picnic Area and abandoned Girl Scouts Camp Foxtail, then up to the summit of the Kyle Canyon’s upper ridge.
3. East Ski Run: This approach goes up the East ski run and then continues on up beyond the end of the Lee Canyon Eastern ski run to the plateau mentioned above.
4. Mummy’s Head Approach: This approach begins at a wide parking area on Lee Canyon Road across from Avalanche Road. Head up Avalanche Trail Road and ascend between the two peaks of Mummy’s Head visible from Lee Canyon. Though it does not summit above Kyle Canyon, there is a route from Mummy’s Head to Mummy’s Summit and then down into Kyle Canyon.

There are additional approaches from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon. For example, there is a direct approach from Lee Canyon Road to Mummy’s Summit, a more direct approach from the Lee Canyon ski area to Lee Peak and a few others between. I will complete these pages as I work them out the wilderness routes.

Which Approach to Take from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon’s Upper Rim?

Here are some of the main approaches from Lee Canyon to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon and beyond:

• If you’re heading to Lee Peak, take the Gradual Mid Ridge Approach or East Ski Run Approach.
• If you’re heading for Mummy Mountain take the Foxtail Canyon Approach or the Mummy’s Head Approach.

The initial video on this page was taken from the opposite side of Lee Canyon while ascending Black Rock Sister as the views were opening up. The various approaches from Lee Canyon Road to the upper rim of Kyle Canyon are described in the video. Another cross canyon high perspective can be seen on the South Sister Video Guide and Slide Guide.

Best Time of Year to Ascend from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon’s Upper Rim

The best time of year to summit the upper rim of Kyle Canyon (about 11,000ft elevation) from Lee Canyon Road (about 8,000ft elevation) is July through September. You’ll escape Las Vegas Summer temperatures which can rise to near 120 degrees to enjoy temperatures at 11,000ft which can be a comfortable 70-80 degrees on that same day. And, you’ll avoid having to navigate Winter snows which can make ascending some of the steep avalanche slopes rather treacherous.

Directions to Start Points | Lee to Kyle Canyon | Overview | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada

Take Hwy 95 North from Las Vegas for about 10 miles past the residential developments. Turn left onto Lee Canyon Road (after the Desert National Wildlife Refuge exit). Begin from a large parking area on the West side of Lee Canyon Road (Hwy 156) about a mile past its intersection with Deer Creek Road (Hwy 158). Alternate approaches can be found from the Foxtail Canyon and Lee Meadows areas.

For the Gradual Approach Ridge

Park across from the Lee Canyon Meadow or at the Lower Bristlecone Pine Trailhead. Ascend the ridge there that leads upward toward the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon.

For the Foxtail Canyon Approach

Park at the turn-around. Head up through the Foxtail Group Picnic Area and abandoned Camp Foxtail Girl Scouts Camp and keep going up!

For Mummy’s Head

Park at the wide parking area on the West side of Lee Canyon Road about a mile above its intersection with Deer Creek Road. Head across Lee Canyon Road. Ascend Avalanche Trail Road and keep heading up!

For the Ski Run Extension Approach

Park near the Lee Canyon ski area and head up the Southeastern ski run and beyond up to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon.