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

Scoping Out Potential Summit Routes from Viewpoint Near Sisters North

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. If a route is found from Lee Canyon to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon, it will be 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 this overview of potential approaches from Lee Canyon Road to the summit of Kyle Canyon I began by taking a number of photos (in slide show) 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.

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 rock climbing. 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 Potential Approaches from Lee Canyon to Kyle Canyon

In the slide show 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 Charleston North 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 picnic area and abandoned Girl Scouts camp, 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 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.

For now some of these routes are untested “potential” approaches. The documented routes will appear at the top of the above list.

There are additional approaches from Lee 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 add pages for these as I work them out.

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

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. There are probably many additional approaches, but the above 4 appear to be the most promising.

These Approaches are Speculative, Not Yet Achieved and Documented

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. In that video I speculate on some of the various approaches from Lee Canyon Road to the upper rim of Kyle Canyon.

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.

Lee to Kyle Canyon | Overview | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada – Route and Starting Points

Take Hwy 95 North from Las Vegas. Turn left onto Lee Canyon Road (Hwy 156). Continue on Lee Canyon Road about 16 miles. You’ll continue on Lee Canyon Road past the intersection with Deer Creek Road.

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 Road and keep heading up!

For the Foxtail Canyon Approach

Park at the turn-around. Head up through the Foxtail picnic area and abandoned Girl Scouts camp and keep going up!

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 Ski Run Extension Approach

Park near the ski area and head up the Southeastern ski run and beyond up to the Kyle Canyon upper ridge.

Summary
Lee to Kyle Canyon | Overview | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada
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Lee to Kyle Canyon | Overview | Mt Charleston Wilderness | Spring Mountains, Nevada
Description
There are no trails from Lee Canyon to the North Ridge of Kyle Canyon. However, I've been discovering and documenting wilderness routes from Lee to Kyle Canyon, connecting the two major canyons in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness. This page lists those routes and provides links to the individual adventure pages.
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LasVegasAreaTrails.com
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