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Sexton Ridgeline Overview | Lovell Canyon, Nevada
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Traversing Sexton Ridge is Like Being on a Mountaintop the Entire Way!
Where is the Sexton Ridgeline in Nevada?
The Sexton Ridgeline runs along the Western border of Lovell Canyon in Nevada. The high point on the Sexton Ridgeline is Griffith Peak, elevation 11,060ft. The 2013 Carpenter 1 Fire burned much of the ridge destroying ancient Bristlecone Pine forests. But this also contributed to wide open spectacular views!
How to Access the Pathless Sexton Ridgeline
One of the highest access points to the base of the pathless Sexton Ridgeline is at the summit of the Griffith Shadow Loop Trail in Lovell Canyon. Navigating from the trail onto the ridgeline can be challenging and involves finding a pathway through steep slopes populated by thick 6-8 foot high barriers of Manzanita and Ashy Silk Tassel shrubs. The Sexton Ridgeline can also be accessed from its summit at Griffith Peak via the Charleston Loop Trail.
Expansive Views from the Sexton Ridgeline
Once on the Sexton Ridgeline there are few barriers to navigate. Rocky limestone areas on the ridgeline are fairly tame and the terrain is wide-open. There are some remaining Bristlecone Pine and Ponderosa Pine groves, but most of the ridgeline is burned out. The open terrain creates expansive views of Trout Canyon to the West and Lovell Canyon, the Wilson Ridgeline, Sheep Range, Las Vegas Valley and points beyond to the East. To traverse this ridgeline is like being on a mountaintop the entire way!
Planning Your Sexton Ridgeline Adventure
Be in extremely good condition as the elevation gain is nearly 6,000ft from the Lovell Canyon Trailhead. I suggest ascending from the base of the ridge so that if your energy runs out, it’s easier to descend back to the starting point. Plan a 2-day adventure or park a vehicle at both the Kyle Canyon South Loop Trailhead and Lovell Canyon Trailhead. Alternately, make this a 2-day adventure.
Navigating the Sexton Ridgeline in Nevada
Griffith Peak from Lovell Canyon via Sexton Ridge
25 mi / 5000-11,060ft
*Some Trail, Mostly Wilderness*
(Includes summary of various ascent route options.)
Griffith Peak via Sexton Ridge
25 mi / 5000-11,060ft
*Some Trail, Mostly Wilderness*
Sexton Ridge DescentÂ
12 mi / 7000-11,060ft
(Kyle Canyon South Climb Trail to Griffith Peak Summit, Then Descend Sexton Ridge)
*Some Trail, Some Wilderness*
Griffith Meteor Crater?
*Some Trail, Mostly Wilderness*
