![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-001 View South Along Wilson Ridge from the Pinnacle Summit | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-001.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-008 Parked at Lovell Canyon & Rocky Gap. Approach Ridge Upper Right. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-008.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-009 Ridge Base at Lovell Canyon Rd & #25930 Which Splits to Right. Sign Post in Bushes. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-009.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-010 Old Wide ATV Trail Leads to Approach Ridge Base | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-010.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-011 ATV Trail Ends at Ridge Base. Begin Ascent. Watch for Faint Trails and Open Areas. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-011.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-013 Continuing to Ascend, Finding Many Wide Open Areas | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-013.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-014 Neighboring Ridge to South Parallels Rocky Gap Road. Good Route to Red Rock Summit. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-014.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-015 View Down Approach Ridge to Lovell Canyon Rd. Nopah Range in Distant Background | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-015.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-016 View Down Approach Ridge Across Lovell Canyon | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-016.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-017 View Down Approach Ridge Toward Start Point at Lovell Canyon Road. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-017.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-018 Elaborate Stone Lined Pathway Marks Campsite High on Ridge | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-018.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-019 Stairs and Rock-Enclosed Area Show Extensive Work That Went into This Campsite. Historic? | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-019.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-020 Descent Followed by High Point on Approach Ridge. High Point Summits Reveal Next Stretch. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-020.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-021 View Up Ridge and Over to Wilson Ridgeline Extending North (left). | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-021.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-022 Upper Lovell Canyon with Griffith Peak, Harris Mt., Sexton Ridge & Wilson Ridge Now in View. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-022.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-023 View Back Down Approach Ridge Across West Side of Lovell Canyon and Beyond | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-023.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-024 Lovell Canyon West Side with Nopah Range Far Distant | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-024.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-025 Red Rock Summit Approach Ridge to South (left). Nopah Range and Landmark Bluff in View. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-025.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-026 Landmark Bluff: Visible from Rainbow & Wilson Ridgelines and All the Way to Harris Mt. & Griffith Peak | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-026.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-027 Nopah Range to the Southwest. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-027.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-028 Approach Ridge Becoming Rockier and Narrower During Final Stretch to Pinnacle | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-028.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-029 Wilson Ridgeline Stretching North. Drop-offs to Right & Left Becoming Steeper. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-029.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-030 View to Upper Lovell Canyon. Griffith & Harris Peaks, Sexton & Wilson Ridgelines. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-030.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-031 View Back Down Rocky Upper Final Approach to Pinnacle. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-031.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-032 View South Along Wilson Ridgeline. Prominent High Point is Red Rock Summit. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-032.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-033 Red Rock Summit on Wilson Ridge; Mt. Wilson Peaking Above Rainbow Mts. Ridgeline to Left. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-033.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-034 Upper Lovell Canyon. Kyle Canyon South Rim Visible Through Griffith/Harris Saddle. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-034.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035 Arrival on Pinnacle! Rainbow Mts. Ridgeline (left); Wilson Ridgeline (right). Potosi Mt. in Distance. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035a Sheer Cliff Drop-Off Ahead. Rainbow Mts. Ridgeline and Red Rock Canyon Beyond. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035a.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035b Steep High Drop-Off to the Left. Rainbow Mts. North Ridgeline & Red Rock Canyon Visible. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035b.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035c Steep Drop-Offs on Three Sides of This Pinnacle. North View Along Wilson Ridgeline. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035c.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035d Wilson Ridgeline North to the Southern High Point. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-035d.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-037 Pinnacle is Left of Two High Points on Wilson Ridgeline. View from North Peak. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-037.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-038 Pinnacle Viewed from Red Rock Summit. Left of 2 High Points Ahead. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-038.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-039 Pinnacle Viewed from Red Rock Summit. Left of 2 High Points Ahead.](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-039.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-041 View from Switchback Ridge Below. Red Rock Summit to Left, Pinnacle in Next High Point to Right. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-041.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-041a Damsel Peak, Turtlehead Peak & Calico Hills Viewed from Pinnacle. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-041a.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-042 Damsel Peak (left) Turtlehead Peak (right) Las Vegas Valley Beyond. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-042.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-043 Calico Hills. Las Vegas Valley Beyond. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-043.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-044 Las Vegas Strip Beyond Rainbow Mts. North Ridgeline (foreground) | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-044.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-045 Las Vegas Strip. Lake Mead, Fortification Hill Beyond to Right. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-045.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-046 Frenchman Mountain Across Las Vegas Valley. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-046.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-047 Muddy Mts. (left); Sunrise Mt. (center) Across Las Vegas Valley. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-047.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-048 Continuing North on Wilson Ridge Means Traversing Steep Limestone Slab. Turn-Around Today Here. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-048.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-049 View to Upper Lovell Canyon. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-049.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-050 Faint Lovell Summit Road Heading Toward Sexton Ridge Base Before Descending to Trout Canyon. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-050.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-051 Wilson Ridge South High Point (left). Continue Beyond to North High Point at Harris Mountain. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-051.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-052 View West Across Lovell Canyon. Panamint Range/Telescope Peak Faint in Distance Toward Right. | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-052.jpg)
![mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-053 Wilson Ridgeline North to Its South High Point. Prominent Ledge Marks La Madre Ridgeline | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon, Nevada](http://959771d4.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/mini-matterhorn-pinnacle-nevada-10-12-2023-053.jpg)
Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon & Rainbow Mountains, Nevada
Overview | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon & Rainbow Mountains, Nevada
Route Summary
This short, but complicated and time-consuming route up a spectacular wild pathless approach ridge takes you to a pinnacle facing a sheer cliff along with dramatic drop-offs to the right and left. The one final approach path to the pinnacle is a narrow rocky spine of a ridgeline. It’s a wonder that one can accomplish this adventure without exceeding class 3 climbing!
Spectacular Views from Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle
As you stand on the pinnacle, if you are able to stand on that small loose rock surface facing sheer and dramatic drop-offs on three sides, the views are spectacular…even from a sitting position!
To the East
Looking over the sheer Eastern cliff face you can see the Northern stretch of the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline and Rocky Gap Road winding along its Western base. Beyond is Red Rock Canyon with Turtlehead Peak and the Calico Hills, along with Damsel Peak in the Calico Basin. Beyond, further East, are the Las Vegas Strip, Frenchman Mountain, Sunrise Mountain, Lake Mead and the Muddy Mountains with further reference points in the distance.
To the North
To the North is the Northern stretch of the Wilson Ridge all the way to Harris Mountain. Behind Harris Mountain is Mummy Mountain. Further to the left (Northwest) are Griffith Peak and Sexton Ridge. Below is the Northern stretch of Lovell Canyon. To the right (Northeast) is the La Madre Ridgeline and La Madre Mountains with the Sheep Range and Gass Peak in the distance.
To the South
To the South is the Southern stretch of the Wilson Ridgeline and Lovell Canyon all the way to Potosi Mountain.
To the West
To the West is the Western ridgeline above Lovell Canyon with points beyond all the way to the Panamint Mountain Range on the West side of Death Valley. To the Southwest is the Nopah Mountain Range. There are too many more spectacular reference points to list here!
Wilson Ridgeline Southern and Northern Stretches
The Wilson Ridgeline spans the East side of Lovell Canyon and can be divided into two main stretches: Northern and Southern.
The Northern (upper) stretch of the Wilson Ridgeline
This stretch goes from the Southern High Point to Harris Mountain, the Northern high point at the ridgeline’s summit.
The Southern (lower) stretch of the Wilson Ridgeline
This stretch begins at the Southern High Point and extends to Rainbow Spring Road with major gaps at Rocky Gap Road and South Spring Canyon.
The Gaps in the Wilson Ridgeline
The gaps are so dramatic that it is near impossible to traverse them, making it necessary to begin your ridgeline adventures above and below the gaps. Of course, if you’re a highly experienced technical rock climber you can traverse the gaps, but the time to traverse the gaps may take the better part of a day, leaving little or no time to continue traversing the ridgeline!
Enjoy the Spectacular Approach Ridges and Pinnacles
I’ve found that every approach to the Wilson Ridgeline is so complicated and time-consuming that by the time I reach the ridgeline by any of the access points it feels like it’s time to begin the return trip and there’s little time left to explore the ridge! So, exploring the Wilson Ridgeline may be a matter of enjoying the many spectacular approach ridges that lead to various pinnacles on the ridgeline. Traversing the Wilson Ridgeline between South Spring Canyon and the Southern High Point is an experience of summiting at least three tall sharp Matterhorn-like pinnacles every mile. The Northern ridgeline is more gradual with a faster traverse time.
Of course, if you’re prepared for a multi-day adventure you will have time to traverse large stretches of the Wilson Ridgeline. However, good luck carrying enough water!!
Best Time of Year for Wilson Ridgeline Adventures
Pick the longest days possible (you’ll need a lot of daylight), yet avoid mid-Summer heat and Winter’s treacherous, icy conditions. This leaves late August to the first snows in October or November; and early Spring from snowmelt in late April or early May through mid-June. Carry lots of water and dependable lighting in case you’re still on the ridge after sunset…and plan NOT to be on the pathless wild Wilson Ridge and approach ridges after sunset!
Route Start Point Directions | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon & Rainbow Mountains, Nevada
Take Hwy 160 from Las Vegas toward Pahrump. The highway ascends over a “hump” (the Potosi Mountain area). There’s a saying around here, “Over the hump to Pahrump”. Well, you’ve just traveled over that hump. Around 4-5 miles from the point where the highway begins to descend toward Pahrump there is a well-marked sign on the right for Lovell Canyon Road.
Views Along Lovell Canyon Road
Lovell Canyon Road is a beautiful stretch passing through a Joshua tree forest that soon becomes populated predominately with junipers and pines. There are ridges and meadows and many camping pull-outs along the way. This stretch reminds me a lot of the high desert area around Bend Oregon. Very open and majestic. All the while you’re looking up at the Spring mountains with Griffith Peak standing prominent. The road has very little traffic and would make a great bike, walking or running route. In fact, what an awesome backdrop for a marathon (pretty easy to add 2 miles to the 24-mile out and back stretch)!
Start Point on Lovell Canyon Road
Proceed about 9 miles up the well-paved Lovell Canyon Road. About a mile past the intersection with Rocky Gap Road (Forest Road #45549) watch for another road turn-off to the right. The sign for Forrest Road #25930 may be hidden in the brush. Find place to park. This is your start point.
Route Observations | Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle | Wilson Ridge | Lovell Canyon & Rainbow Mountains, Nevada
Identify the Approach Ridge While Still on Lovell Canyon Road
As you ‘re driving up Lovell Canyon Road toward the intersection with Forrest Road #25930, be watching for a long fairly gradual ridge ahead and to your right leading up toward the Wilson Ridge. It will help to recognize that ridge before you begin to climb.
Follow An Old ATV Road/Trail to the Base of the Approach Ridge
Once parked at or near the intersection with Forrest Road #25930, head toward the base of the ridge. An ATV road will appear just past the few camping spots closest to Lovell Canyon Road. Head up that ATV road (not sure ATVs are allowed, but it’s apparent their use once formed the road which is much wider than a hiking trail).
High Points and Faint Trails Along the Approach Ridge
In about a quarter to half-mile the ATV road will suddenly disappear. Now you’re right at the base of the initial healthy incline of the approach ridge. Now watch for narrow trails and openings through the trees, brush and boulders on the ridge. This ridge is possibly the easiest of the many approach ridges to the Wilson Ridgeline. All the approach ridges are roughly 2-3,000ft elevation gain and 3 miles in length. What makes this approach ridge the easiest is the presence of various passageways (sometimes even faint trails). These will appear and disappear as you ascend the ridge, so your main guiding principle is to stay on the center of the ridge rather than try to follow a trail.
There will always be a high point ahead, beyond which you cannot see. Only as you top each of the series of high points on the ridge will you be able to see the next stretch. Just know that this ridge continues upward, fairly gradual, with no major barriers, all the way to its connection with the Wilson Ridge.
Establish Your Return Route and Reference Points as You Ascend
As with all approach ridges to the Wilson Ridge, views rapidly become more expansive and spectacular as you ascend. Turn around often to establish a clear picture of the terrain below including the position of your starting point on Lovell Canyon Road and the features of the ridgeline on the across Lovell Canyon. These will help guide your return trip.
Elaborate Camping Spot High on the Ridge
An interesting spot about 2/3rds up the ridge and on one of the high hills is a pretty elaborate campsite for a wilderness area. It appears someone put a lot of effort into designing this site, complete with rock-lined approach trails, a small rock enclosure and a stairway. Someone spent a lot of time at this site. I did not try to establish whether it was modern or historic. My guess is more on the modern side. The view is beautiful, and the elevation would be a welcome escape from mid-Summer heat.
Final Steep, Rocky Knife-Edge Summit Approach
Following the campsite, the ridge takes a small plunge followed by a dramatic increase in the angle of ascent. This steep hill is the final approach to the Wilson Ridgeline. Two things happen at this point: First, the terrain becomes much rockier and second, the approach ridge dramatically narrows, until near its connection with the Wilson Ridgeline it assumes a very narrow edge with sharp drop-offs on either side. Still, the going is fairly easy, class 2-3. You may need to use your hands and do a little light climbing over very brief, shallow rocky inclines.
Arrival on the Pinnacle!
By the time you reach the very summit of the approach ridge…you’ll know you’ve arrived because there’s a sheer cliff drop-off ahead…you’re also looking down at a very steep rocky slope on either side along with that narrow knife-edge final approach behind. And the place upon which you’re standing has just enough room for your feet and maybe a loose rock to sit on! While this pinnacle may not look like the Matterhorn from a distance, from you’re perspective at the summit looking down in all directions it feels like a mini version of the Matterhorn. A fall to your right, left or ahead would be a life-ending experience.
Scoping Out the Wilson Ridgeline from the Pinnacle
The pinnacle gives a great perspective of the Wilson Ridgeline stretching both North and South. To the South is Red Rock Summit followed by a ridge descending above Rocky Gap Road to its intersection with Lovell Canyon Road. You’re route South is by re-descending the knife-edge of the pinnacle to a point where there is a sanely possible opening downward along the Wilson Ridge and that ridge widens out considerably. To the North, progress along the Wilson Ridge is more questionable. There is no wide ridgeline, only steep, loose rock slopes with significant drop-offs to traverse. I decided on this day to head back to Lovell Canyon Road and next time ascend the approach ridge further North and backtrack to this pinnacle. Sometimes the route seems more possible from the other direction, and when you know basically what to expect, it seems more doable.
How Long Does this Hike Take?
The time to from Lovell Canyon Road to the pinnacle on the Wilson Ridge was about three and a half hours. The return trip was faster and easier. The openings and faint trails on the approach ridge are easier to identify while descending, and more of the ridgeline is visible during the descent.
Mini-Matterhorn Pinnacle Summary
In summary, the Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle is a very rewarding hike in itself with an interesting, somewhat challenging approach, non-stop spectacular views and the feeling of being on top of the world at the pinnacle! Plan on total round-trip time possibly exceeding seven hours, and try to avoid being on the approach ridge or Wilson Ridgeline in the dark: Too many hidden drop-offs, many with huge, sheer plunges leading to severe injury or loss of life. That said, in the light of day this is an incredible adventure!