Terrace Canyon Peak | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

Overview | Terrace Canyon Peak | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

Terrace Canyon Peak towers above Terrace Canyon and offers a spectacular view of Red Rock Canyon to the Calico Hills on the far side of the canyon. All the while you are in a beautiful, colorful sandstone area characteristic of the Rainbow Mountains. Pinyon Pines, Junipers and Yucca Plants artistically placed in the ancient Jurassic sandstone setting create a totally brilliant picture! On the way to Terrace Canyon Peak you will pass through beautiful Terrace Canyon with streams cascading down the huge sandstone terraces into ephemeral pools inhabited by LOUD territorial Baja California Chorus Frogs. The route to the summit is challenging and technical in places with some Class 4 rope assisted stretches.

Directions to the Start Point | Terrace Canyon Peak | 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. Take the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive past the high point overlook and past the Willow Spring picnic area turnoff. Continue on the Red Rock Canyon scenic drive past the trailhead for Ice Box Canyon. Pine Creek Canyon Trailhead is the next trailhead on your right, a couple miles beyond the Ice Box Canyon Trailhead.

↓ Narrative Guide ↓

Narrative Guide | Terrace Canyon Peak | Rainbow Mountain Wilderness, Nevada

From the Pine Creek Canyon Trailhead, head up the Pine Creek Canyon Trail toward Mescalito Pyramid Peak, the distinctive sharp tall rock formation dividing Pine Creek Canyon. Round the base of Mescalito Pyramid Peak into the canyon on the left (South) side of the peak between the Mescalito Pyramid Peak and Juniper Peak. Continue up this canyon (Pine Creek Canyon) navigating thick, tall brush barriers, some class 3 boulders and ledges while trying to keep your feet dry during multiple creek crossings. Where the canyon again splits along Mescalito Pyramid Peak take the left branch to find yourself in beautiful Terrace Canyon! Pass through Terrace Canyon and take the next split into the canyon to the right. In about 1,000ft ascend the steep slope on your right above the canyon to Terrace Canyon Peak’s summit approach ridge. This ascent will require some Class 4 rock climbing along the way. Once on the upper ridge head to the left and upward to the summit. Another summit approach would be up the next gully below the summit. See the map for ideas. Be sure to return to the Pine Creek Canyon Trailhead before dark. This terrain can be very dangerous for nighttime navigation even with good artificial lighting.