Eldorado Wilderness Loop

Eldorado Mountains BLM, NV Southern Lake Mead

Trip stats

Distance
7.6 mi
Net Gain
2,600 ft
Time
4-6 hrs
YDS Rating
Class 2
Route
Loop
Peaks
4

Ratings out of 10

Effort
4.8/10
Personality
6/10
Beauty
7/10
Solitude
5.9/10
What do these mean? →

Peaks on this hike

Summits listed in route order

Ridgeline of the 4 summits in route order 01 02 03 04
  1. Nelson Benchmark
    3,822′ elevation · 312′ prominence
  2. Mount Stocker
    3,854′ elevation · 524′ prominence
  3. Lonesome Peak (Eldorado Wilderness High Point)
    3,858′ elevation · 463′ prominence
  4. Pigs in Zen Peak
    3,832′ elevation · 312′ prominence

Route map + Trailhead

Trailhead Coordinates

35.728420, -114.830790

The directions link below drops a pin on the trailhead coordinates and lets Google Maps pick the route. If the drive has rough roads or access issues that GPS nav might get wrong, I cover that in my trip report.

Get directions (opens Google Maps in a new tab)

Trip report

Feb 3, 2019 — I first visited the BLM-managed Eldorado Widlerness a couple years ago to check out the Bridge Spring Arch (a trip report now merged with this one), and the jagged rocks of the area left an impression. With my current psych for bagging obscure desert peaks, I ended back in this area and this little loop through the Eldorado Widlerness to a bunch of the high points ended up being a fun little adventure. Just a note that there's also an Eldorado Wilderness just to the north within Lake Mead National Recreation Area, but I believe when people mention th "Eldorado Wilderness", they're referring to the area I'm outlining in this trip report.

Starting from the Eldorado Trailhead, follow the Bridge Spring Trail to just before the canyon gets narrow and locate a slope on the south side of the canyon. This is where you'll head up to Nelson Benchmark after check out Bridge Spring Arch, just down the canyon. Known in some beta as Nelson Natural Bridge, the pretty feature pops up and is the stopping point for most in the area, including myself for my first visit to the Eldorado Wilderness. Back at the slope previously mentioned, follow the ridge up to Nelson Benchmark, nothing over Class 2. You can see Lake Mead and the little town of Nelson below. Head back to the trail and then follow another wash north and through a gap in the boulder-strewn ridgeline south of Pigs in Zen Peak. Immediately after going through this gap, I saw Mount Stocker, not knowing what it was at the time, but wanting to climb in regardless. A Class 2 gully leads up the west face and the easier route I could find continues to be Class 2 around the backside of the peak. Once off Mount Stocker, follow a north-running wash until you find a slope that leads up the Class 2 south side of Lonesome Peak, which probably had the highlight views of the day. Head southwest off Lonesome Peak toward Pigs in Zen Peak, the most colorful and interesting peak, due to the large and colorful boulders and red slickrock summit. My route back from Pigs in Zen Peak to the trailhead was a bit of a mess because there are washes and ridges leading all over that aren't visible on a topo map. You'll see my zigzagging route on my map, but don't attempt to follow it.

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Photos

46 photos

  1. Starting from the Eldorado Trailhead along a well-defined trail.
  3. The trail leads down into a drainage. There was water when I visited.
  4. This massive boulder marked the spot I'd turn off to the right later to head up to Nelson Benchmark.
  5. But first before peak bagging, head deeper into the canyon and down to the Bridge Spring Arch.
  6. Bridge Spring Arch.
  7. Back at that boulder, I headed south along the ridgeline leading to Nelson Benchmark.
  8. Looking north toward the rest of the Eldorado Wilderness. Mt. Stocker on the right, Pigs in Zen Peak on the left.
  9. Following the ridgeline south.
  10. Nelson Benchmark ahead.
  12. Another view looking back toward the rest of the Eldorado Wilderness.
  13. Nelson Benchmark up on the right.
  14. Nelson Benchmark, with views of the peaks I'll be doing. Mt. Stocker on the right, Lonesome Peak center left, and Pigs in Zen Peak on the far left.
  15. Nelson Benchmark summit looking south toward the town of Nelson.
  16. Just some water I found near the base of Nelson Benchmark.
  17. Back in the main canyon (the one that leads to Bridge Spring Arch), head north.
  18. A break in the cliff band allows you to head east toward Mt. Stocker.
  19. Gully leading to lower ground. Lonesome Peak on the left, Mt. Stocker right.
  20. Mt. Stocker ahead.
  21. My chosen weakness to ascend Mt. Stocker.
  22. Class 2 gully heading east.
  23. Looking east at the top of the gully. Head through here and to the right, behind Mt. Stocker.
  24. Work your way around the east side of Mt. Stocker and locate a Class 2+ route. Anything harder doesn't lead to the summit. I know because I dumbly tried a few.
  25. On the Class 2 east face of Mt. Stocker, looking east.
  26. Last bit of Class 2 leading to Mt. Stocker's summit.
  27. Mt. Stocker summit, looking southwest, Nelson Benchmark on the right.
  28. Mt. Stocker summit, looking north. Lonesome Peak visible on the left.
  29. Back off Mt. Stocker, headed north through a wash toward Lonesome Peak (center).
  30. Along a ridge leading up to Lonesome Peak.
  31. Looking back toward Mt. Stocker along the ridge to Lonesome Peak.
  32. Lonesome Peak ahead.
  34. Class 2 stuff leading to Lonesome Peak summit.
  35. Lonesome Peak summit, looking west. Mt. Stocker on the left.
  36. Heading west down off Lonesome Peak, Pigs in Zen Peak visible in the center. Do not follow the ridgeline to the slope ahead.. There are cliff bands everywhere. Instead, get to lower ground and re-ascend.
  37. A little canyon to get up to the slope leading to Pigs in Zen Peak.
  38. Eastern slope leading to Pigs in Zen Peak.
  39. Looking back toward Lonesome Peak.
  40. Class 2+ stuff to gain the summit ahead. It's not clear where the summit is until it's right in front of you.
  41. Pigs in Zen Peak on the right.
  42. Pigs in Zen Peak summit, looking north. Lonesome Peak on the right.
  43. Pigs in Zen Peak looking south. Mt. Stocker on the left, Nelson Benchmark far right.
  44. Descending from Pigs in Zen Peak.
  45. I followed any number of gullies, canyons, and ridges to get back to the trailhead. It's a bit of a maze, so choose your own adventure. This is a photo looking back at Pigs in Zen Peak.

Photo 1 of 1

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GPX track

Eldorado Wilderness Loop GPX route and driving track

The complete GPX track is available to download, so you can load the route straight into your navigation app or device. The trip report, route info, photos and planning details stay free.

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