Overview | Navigating the Rainbow Mountains Mid-Gap | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

The Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline can be divided into a Northern section and a Southern section. The Northern section ends around Mt. Wilson. The Southern section ends at Hidden Peak. Between these two areas there is a huge gap in the ridgeline. Here, we cross an area of the gap between the intersection of Lovell Canyon Road and Saltgrass Road at Lovell Canyon Campground to the First Creek Trail area in Red Rock Canyon.  

Trailhead Directions | Navigating the Rainbow Mountains Mid-Gap | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

Take Hwy 160 from Las Vegas toward Pahrump. Highway 160 reaches a high point at Mountain Springs then begins to descend toward Pahrump. Watch for a small sign indicating a right turn onto Lovell Canyon Road about 8-10 miles beyond Mountain Springs. Take Lovell Canyon Road to the Lovell Canyon Campground (about 4 miles) and park at the intersection with Saltgrass Road. Head up Saltgrass Road toward the Rainbow Mountains Mid-Gap.

Route Observations | Navigating the Rainbow Mountains Mid-Gap | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

I want to thank one of my viewers, Glenn, for bringing this route to my attention and giving me some detailed directions — it’s one of his favorite wilderness routes.