Overview | Mescalito Pyramid | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

Climb the massive pyramid-shaped peak in the middle of Pine Creek Canyon! John Garner, a climbing partner, requested I post the video on this page of his climb to the summit of Mescalito Pyramid.

If you’ve ever hiked the Pine Creek Canyon Loop Trail, you may have noticed rock climbers dangling from ropes on the impossibly high vertical walls of Mescalito Pyramid Peak in the center of the canyon. If you’re not at that technical level of rock climbing skill, you probably dismissed the idea of ever summiting this beautiful formation.

However, there is an easier class 3 route that begins in the North fork of the canyon, ascends Mescalito Pyramid from behind and finally descends to the South fork of the canyon where it reconnects with the Pine Creek Canyon Loop Trail. This video demonstrates the class 3 climb to the summit of Mescalito Pyramid! 

Trailhead Directions | Mescalito Pyramid | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

From I-215 take the Charleston Blvd exit (at Red Rock Casino) and head upward through Summerlin toward Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. It’s the first right turn after Calico Basin. Take the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive to the West side of Red Rock Canyon. Pine Creek Canyon will be the next major trailhead parking area past Icebox Canyon, about 2/3rds the way around the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive.

Narrative Guide | Mescalito Pyramid | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

“This Southern route to Mescalito is rather long but has some interesting spots. Long canyon approach then up to the ridge. Once on ridge quite a sizable down climb then back up to the peak. Mescalito looks like it’s one of the easier peaks to hit because it’s smaller but looks are deceiving in this case.” –John Garner