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16.4 mi | 13hr, 20min | 17,352ft Altitude Gain/Loss
**Mostly Wilderness**
Glenn accomplished a version of this adventure in mid-September primarily focused on the upper end of Lovell Canyon where he ascended Griffith Peak from the upper base of the canyon, traversed the Griffith/Harris Saddle to Harris Mountain, then descended back into upper Lovell Canyon from Harris Mountain, finally returning to the start point across from the Torino Ranch/Children’s Camp. Traverse of Wilson and Sexton Ridges is minimized on this route. However, this route summits both Griffith Peak and Harris Mountain.
Adventure to occur on one of the longest Summer days soon!
The adventure route begins at the parking area on the upper end of Lovell Canyon Road, across from the Torino Ranch/Children’s Camp. From there take Lovell Canyon Trail to the base of Lovell Canyon. Then, head up Lovell Canyon to ascend the Wilson Ridge, summiting that ridge about 1/2 mile South of the Harris Mountain Road crossing. From the Harris Mountain Road Crossing, take the back country Griffith Peak Trail to Griffith Peak summit. Then descend from Griffith Peak Summit via Sexton Ridge to connect with the upper end of the Griffith Shadow Loop Trail. Finally, descend the Griffith Shadow Loop Trail to connect with the Lovell Canyon Trail and return to the start point at the Torino Ranch.
You will experience a unique and spectacular eagle-eye perspective of Lovell Canyon from its highest East, North and West ridges: Wilson Ridge (East); Griffith/Harris Saddle (North) and Sexton Ridge (West). In addition, you’ll see the entire length of neighboring Kyle Canyon from the La Madre Mountains on its lower East end to Charleston Peak on its upper West end. You’ll also see the entire length of neighboring Trout Canyon. And, of course, the entire length of upper Lovell Canyon from the upper end of Lovell Canyon Road to the upper end of the canyon at the Griffith/Harris Saddle.
The counterclockwise loop direction is designed to end with a total down-hill experience from Griffith Peak to the end point during the time it’s expected that you will be most tired and just wanting to coast back to your vehicle! One drawback is that this route may bypass Harris Mountain summit.
We recommend the longest day of the year with the most light due to the time it will take to complete this loop! You’ll begin in the morning when the temperature is coolest, ascend to a cool 8-11,000ft during the heat of the day, finally descend again during late day early evening when the lower altitudes in Lovell Canyon have cooled off again.
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.
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)!
Proceed 12 miles up the well-paved road until the pavement ends and an unpaved road branches off to your left 1/4th mile from the official Lovell Canyon Trailhead which will be on the right. There is ample parking across from the trailhead which will be on your right.
Adventure to occur on one of the longest Summer days soon!
David Smith has devoted the better part of one day each week over the past 20 years to experiencing a mountain trail running adventure. He began in the Pacific Northwest with the Columbia Gorge and Cascade Mountains; then moved to Southern California and experienced the Angeles Crest mountains; then the Northeast where he experienced the Hudson River Valley and Minnewaska; finally in 2016 to Las Vegas where he is experiencing and documenting Red Rock Canyon, the Spring Mountains (Mt. Charleston area), Death Valley and beyond!
Return often to experience one new adventure each week! From the home page scroll to “Most Recent Adventures“. More about David Smith…
The trail adventures on this website require proper conditioning, preparation and safety precautions. There are many factors beyond our control including weather conditions, unstable ground, loose rocks, insects and snakes, people you may encounter, your own level of physical conditioning, the potential of getting lost just to mention a few. While this site offers guidance, helpful tips, direction and training, the reader assumes full responsibility for whatever may occur during their trail adventure. Have fun and be safe!
