Tag Archives: Las Vegas

Griffith Peak

22 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by in Distance hikes, Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Peaks, Strenuous Hikes

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Griffith Peak is located in the Spring Mountains.  It is the 3rd highest peak in Southern Nevada ( 11,064 ft)

The trail passes through the old burn area of the Carpenter1 fire. You’ll the the scars along the way. Towering Ponderosa Pines dominate this first section of trail.

Junctions are well marked follow signs for Griffith Peak. 

As you climb up the canyon the trail gets a lot steeper but the magnificent views outweigh the pain. Just keep moving. You’re getting closer!

Once you climb out of canyon you hit a series of switchbacks through a ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. 

After the last switchback you are left with your first view of Griffith Peak. Proceed on over to the saddle and make a left. 

Push for the peak on this last stretch and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views !

Views from the peak on a cloudy cloudy day!

Summit register! Goat worth hike for sure! Make sure to sign in or it never happened! 🙂

  • Difficulty – Strenuous 
  • 3300 ft gain
  • 10 miles
  • Out and back
  • Amazing views
  • Season – Late Spring to Fall

LINK TO TRAILHEAD

LINK TO GPS TRACK

LINK TO PHOTO ALBUM

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BLACK MOUNTAIN -HENDERSON,NV

20 Tuesday Mar 2012

Posted by in Moderate Hikes, Outdoors, Peaks, Strenuous Hikes

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Trailhead

Black Mountain is located just 30 minutes from the Las Vegas strip and at just under 7 miles this hike offers a great workout that can be completed in just a few hours, leaving you plenty of time left to enjoy the nightlife of Vegas.

This is a beautiful place to hike. The landscape is like nothing I’ve seen before. The mountain itself is volcanic in origin and that is evident as soon as you step foot on the trail.

The trail has a variety of desert plant life such as Joshua Trees, cactus and  Creosote bush.

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The hike itself is rather easy except for the last half mile or so. For the most part the ascend is gradual all the way up to black hill, it is from here that you will see the ridgeline before you and then the final push begins.

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The Ridge line to the Peak!

This part of the trail has the potential to be pretty dangerous as the ridge line is very rocky and steep at some points. I had my trekking poles which I recommend for this hike.

Once you reach the peak you will hopefully see an American flag flapping in the wind, (it wasn’t there on this hike) and a military ammo case filled with notepads and geocache like items.. I signed it as did many other hikers before me

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Looking East from the Peak

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Looking North West from the peak

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Mt Charleston in the distance

The views from the top of the 5,092 ft peak are amazing. Red Rock Canyon, Mt Charleston and Lake Mead are visible from here. The 360 views from here are breathtaking!

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Black Mountain Peak 5,092ft
Las Vegas Valley, The strip is in the upper right hand side

Click here for directions

• 7 miles roundtrip
• 5,092 ft peak
• Trekking poles recommended
• 2,100 foot elevation gain

Happy Trails,
Alex G.

MARY JANE FALLS

26 Friday Aug 2011

Posted by in Cave, Outdoors, Strenuous Hikes, Waterfalls

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Mary Jane Falls… WOW!
This is probably the best hike I’ve been on so far for one reason and one reason only, the location!

Located 40 minutes north of the Las Vegas Strip there is a hidden paradise. A place that is overshadowed by the towering hotels and casinos. This amazing oasis is located in the Spring Mountains of southern Nevada.

This isolated adventure begins way before you reach the Mary Jane Falls Trailhead. As you leave the city in your rear view you will soon be driving down a one lane highway with amazing rockscape on either side. The scenery changes drastically in a matter of seconds. You will find yourself driving along a pine and campground filled highway (reminded me of the San Bernardino national Forest)

Now this is where the fun begins. Once you have parked you will notice the trailhead sign and the trail directly behind it. The first 1/3 mile is at a slight incline along a rocky trail. you will soon reach a sign that reads “trail” at the base of the switchbacks. (At this point I took some time to let my lungs adjust to the elevation before continuing) on the trail up the switchbacks you will see towering Ponderosa Pines, White fur and Aspen trees in the canyon below.

As you reach the top of the switchbacks you have an amazing view of Kyle Canyon and the canyon walls and you suddenly realize that you are 9,000+ ft above sea level. Such and amazing feeling.

When you reach the falls you will be in awe at the height of these natural wonders. The view is amazing! There are 2 caves, 3 waterfalls and a view of Big Falls, which is across the canyon.

I can’t wait till my next trip to Vegas. This is a must do hike. It is great for kids, dogs and adults.

The best part of this hike is that the temperature is 20-25 degrees cooler than in the LV valley. Excellent for hiking in the summer.

Happy Trails,
Alex G

•Waterfall
•1000 ft elevation gain
•Cave
•3 miles round trip
•free parking