Frenchman Mountain via West Face in Frenchman Mountain BLM, NV

Hike Frenchman Mountain via West Face Frenchman Mountain BLM, NV

Class 3 3.3 miles 2100 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back Feb 23, 2019
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Frenchman Mountain via West Face GPX Track

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Frenchman Mountain hovers over Las Vegas, but I've never wanted to summit it because the standard route from the north requires just a dirt road walk up, and also is apparently known for car break-ins. So, I researched and found this alternative route that ended up actually being really fun. Starting from a suburban block, head along a dirt road to the mouth of a gully that takes you basically straight up to the summit of Frenchman Mountain. There are spray-painted arrows in excess marking the way, though they did come in handy a couple of times. There was one crux that took some thought, and otherwise it's just a fun scramble up an otherwise forgettable peak.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Frenchman Mountain
4052 ft
1972 rise

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Starting from suburbia just west of Frenchman Mountain.
Starting from suburbia just west of Frenchman Mountain.
Headed along a dirt road to the canyon of choice.
Headed along a dirt road to the canyon of choice.
Entering the sticky limestone drainage.
Entering the sticky limestone drainage.
Some historic trash within.
Some historic trash within.
Looking back down toward Las Vegas from within the canyon.
Looking back down toward Las Vegas from within the canyon.
Arrows mark the way, usually unnecessarily, but sometimes they were helpful.
Arrows mark the way, usually unnecessarily, but sometimes they were helpful.
One of a few Class 3 moves. This is a small move leading to the crux, which you can sort of see on the top left of this photo. You have to climb into a notch.
One of a few Class 3 moves. This is a small move leading to the crux, which you can sort of see on the top left of this photo. You have to climb into a notch.
Looking down from the crux. It's a Class 3 move to pull into this wedge.
Looking down from the crux. It's a Class 3 move to pull into this wedge.
More Class 2/3 fun stuff as you ascend.
More Class 2/3 fun stuff as you ascend.
Looking back down another move.
Looking back down another move.
The final fun section bfore getting out of the canyon. An arrow points you to this traverse below a cliff band. It's a really interesting feature and is just airy enough to make you slow down.
The final fun section bfore getting out of the canyon. An arrow points you to this traverse below a cliff band. It's a really interesting feature and is just airy enough to make you slow down.
Close-up of the exposure.
Close-up of the exposure.
Looking back at the last traverse obstacle. An arrow points you this way for the way back.
Looking back at the last traverse obstacle. An arrow points you this way for the way back.
Frenchman Mountain on the left. South summit on the right.
Frenchman Mountain on the left. South summit on the right.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking south.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking south.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking northeast toward the Muddy Mountains.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking northeast toward the Muddy Mountains.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking east toward Lake Mead.
Frenchman Mountain summit, looking east toward Lake Mead.

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!