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Wilson Ridgeline Overview | Lovell Canyon, Nevada
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Explore the Wilson Ridgeline in Nevada
Where is the Wilson Ridgeline in Nevada?
The Wilson Ridgeline is the natural border between Lovell Canyon and Kyle Canyon in Nevada. The ridgeline descends from its high point at Harris Mountain in the Mt. Charleston Wilderness all the way to Highway 160 at Potosi Mountain. Elevations in the upper ridgeline range from 8,000 to over 10,000 feet. The Wilson Ridgeline is huge, and could merit its own entire wilderness area!
Plant Life on the Wilson Ridgeline
The Wilson Ridgeline is an untouched wilderness area populated by a huge variety of plants including forests of Bristlecone Pines, Ponderosa Pines, Pinyon Pines, Junipers, Mountain Mahogany, high mountain meadow grasses, wildflowers and much more. The lower ridgeline approaching Highway 160 becomes beautiful rolling hills of golden grasses swaying in the wind.
2013 Carpenter 1 Fire on the Wilson Ridgeline
The 2013 Carpenter 1 Fire burned out much of the upper ridgeline leaving huge groves of tree skeletons, many of which are Mountain Mahogany. However, the fire created opportunity for resurgence of new life along with opening spectacular views.
Terrain on the Wilson Ridgeline in Nevada
The terrain on the ridgeline is fairly gentle except for a few miles on either side of the center at Rocky Gap Road. Along this stretch 300-500ft rocky limestone peaks jut up from the ridge making for a challenging traverse. Each peak has its approach ridge from Lovell Canyon. Many of these ridges have huge limestone shelves packed with ancient sea bottom fossils. There is also evidence of pre-Columbian human habitation at points along this rocky stretch and its approach ridges.
Wilderness Adventure Destination
The Wilson Ridgeline is a beautiful destination in itself and you may feel as if you were the first human to walk on that ground. I’ve never seen a soul during my many adventures on the ridge. As with the Rainbow Mountains Upper Crest Ridgeline, I have explored the Wilson Ridgeline in a number of one-day adventures, finding numerous approach ridges.
Upper Wilson Ridgeline
Harris Mountain to the Southern High Point
Wilson Ridge / Sexton Ridge Circuit
**Approx. 26-miles, 7,400ft+ Gain, Mostly Wilderness**
Wilson Ridge to Harris Mountain Summit
About 20 mi RT / 5,800-10,014ft
*Some Trails, Mostly Wilderness*
Wilson Ridge/Lovell Canyon Loop
About 15 mi / 5,800-8,500ft
*Wilderness Until Last Mile*
Wilson Ridge
South High Point
About 10 mi RT / 5,800-8,500ft
*No Trails, All Wilderness*
Mid Wilson Ridgeline
Southern High Point to Rocky Gap Road
Wilson Ridge Lower Loop
10-15-mile Loop/ 5,800-8,500ft
*100% Wilderness*
Switchback Spring Pinnacle
**Approx. 6-7-mi RT, 5,400-7,300ft; Mostly Wilderness**
Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle North Twin
(Tio Grande)
**Approx. 6-7-mi RT, 5,400-7,700ft; Mostly Wilderness**
Mini Matterhorn Pinnacle
(Tio Grande)
**Approx. 6-7-mi RT, 5,400-7,700ft; Mostly Wilderness**
Red Rock Summit Loop
**Approx. 7-8-mi RT, 5,400-7,700ft; Mostly Wilderness**
Red Rock Summit
**Approx. 8-mi RT, 5,400-7,300ft; Mostly Wilderness**
Rocky Gap Road:
Lovell Canyon to
Bridge Mt. Trailhead
**Approx. 5-mi RT, 5,400-6,400ft Rough Road, Great Trail**
