Class 2 5.2 miles 2200 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Apr 5, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Davidson Peak GPX Track

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The road leading out to Davidson Peak was surprisingly good; likely any car going slowly could make it. From the trailhead, I followed the less than ideal dirt road (high clearance could have made it a bit farther) to the base of the meandering east ridge of Davidson Peak. I followed this ridge on Class 2 terrain basically along the crest for the entire route up to the summit. About halfway up, the ridge does get rocky, so I stayed just left of the crest, then pulled a couple of Class 2+ moves to gain the ridge again. Alternatively, you could hug the cliff base (south side) and ascend when the rocks disappear. Two thirds of the way up, a really steep nice slickrock slab was a fun surprise. An avoidable sort-of knife edge summit ridge offered amazing views of Moapa Peak and Mormon Peak.

After Davidson Peak, I ascended Little Davidson Peak, just east of Davidson Peak. It was too short to write up an entire extra report for it, but it's worth doing if you're in the area. Basically just drive up the nice road until you get to the south ridge. A significant cliff band will prevent an easy scramble, so hug the cliffs on the north side of the peak until you get to a Class 2 baby scramble, and then make a hairpin turn and re-ascend to the summit.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Davidson Peak
5320 ft
1680 rise

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Walking along a dirt road that I didn't want to drive my car on. The start of my ascent ridge visible in the center, heading left.
Walking along a dirt road that I didn't want to drive my car on. The start of my ascent ridge visible in the center, heading left.
Ascending the ridge (left). A massive gully separates the ridge from Davidson Peak (top right).
Ascending the ridge (left). A massive gully separates the ridge from Davidson Peak (top right).
Along the ridge.
Along the ridge.
Looking back along the ridge. Little Davidson Peak visible top right.
Looking back along the ridge. Little Davidson Peak visible top right.
Avoiding some sketchy rocks by keeping on the south side of the ridge about halfway up.
Avoiding some sketchy rocks by keeping on the south side of the ridge about halfway up.
Hugging the cliffs. Find a nice spot to ascend on the right to regain the ridge crest.
Hugging the cliffs. Find a nice spot to ascend on the right to regain the ridge crest.
Looking back as I continue to hug the cliff face.
Looking back as I continue to hug the cliff face.
After getting back to the crest, this is the view toward Davidson Peak (left).
After getting back to the crest, this is the view toward Davidson Peak (left).
Pleasant slope.
Pleasant slope.
Looking back along the ridge I ascended.
Looking back along the ridge I ascended.
Image 10 from gallery
Fun limestone slab section.
Fun limestone slab section.
Approaching the summit ridge, Moapa Peak visible left.
Approaching the summit ridge, Moapa Peak visible left.
Summit ridge.
Summit ridge.
Looking back along the ridge I ascended.
Looking back along the ridge I ascended.
Summit ridge again, pretty cliff on the left.
Summit ridge again, pretty cliff on the left.
Close-up of Moapa (left) and Mormon (right).
Close-up of Moapa (left) and Mormon (right).

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!