Hike Harlan Peak and Western Pinto Valley Lake Mead National Recreation Area, NV

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Feb 3, 2026 — I thought I’d pretty much wrapped up the summits on the north shore of Lake Mead years ago, but recent LiDAR measurements promoted two peaks on the western fringe of Pinto Valley to the status of true summits. Located close to one another meant I could loop them as part of a single outing, and the approach was simple enough, especially since I’d done it a number of times to reach various destinations off Northshore Road. My outing would visit Harlan Peak and unnamed Peak 2738, plus allowed access into nooks of the Pinto Valley I hadn’t seen before. This was also a good reminder that I should probably stop thinking about topographic prominence, because the views from these two were among the best of the area and it’s silly I never hiked to them simply because they had under 300′ of prominence.

I headed up Cottonwood Wash, a straightforward hike as it winds around various ridges. I passed the junction with the route to Hamblin Mountain, continuing east up a red-colored drainage. I soon reached an old mining road at the head of this drainage, which led down into Pinto Valley. In the distance I could see The Sentinel at the head of Boulder Wash, and this perspective into the valley from here was incredible. On the left was the sticky limestone, while on the right was colorful sandstone.

I followed the wash west until a route up Harlan Peak became clear. This sandstone lump is impressive-looking from below, but the route went surprisingly easily. Two adjacent gullies seemed to reach the ridgeline, but I took the wider one on the left because it led directly to the saddle. It was Class 2 boulder hopping until a short Class 2+ section to gain the crest. A nice hike with light scrambling brought me to the summit, attained by wrapping left around the summit block.

Rather than return the way I came, I decided to drop south from the saddle, taking a drainage that spit me out into a minor valley. I then headed up this valley toward the south side of Peak 2738 as it narrowed into a drainage that I followed to its head at the least seep side of the peak. Loose Class 2 brought me to the summit of this one, where there were more excellent views in all directions. I then took the southwestern trending drainage down from the summit, headed through the desert, and retraced my steps. It was nice to revisit this part of Lake Mead National Recreation area, and to lay my eyes on the classics yet again.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Harlan Peak

2503 ft

333 rise

Peak 2738

2738 ft

352 rise

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Starting up Cottonwood Wash.

Cottonwood Wash.

Looking back, above a small obstacle within Cottonwood Wash.

Cottonwood Wash bends west.

At the head of the wash, I dropped down onto an old mining road.

Continuing through a drainage into Pinto Valley. Peak 2738 (my second peak later today) seen ahead.

Descending into Pinto Valley. The Sentinel seen ahead.

Closeup of The Sentinel.

Within Pinto Valley. Harlan Peak seen right.

Approaching Harlan Peak.

Class 2 gully to the saddle.

Class 2+ toward the top of the gully.

Along the crest, headed to Harlan Peak.

View back along the crest as I near the summit of Harlan Peak. I entered Pinto Valley earlier via the wash seen top right.

Class 2 to the summit, just ahead.

Harlan Peak, view west.

Harlan Peak, view east. The Sentinel center, Pyramid Peak seen right, Pinto Valley left.

The Sentinel.

My descent gully choice.

Heading up a minor valley toward Peak 2738.

view back, Harlan Peak top left.

Peak 2738. I approached from the right side, at the top of the drainage I was hiking within.

Loose slope with some Class 2 to gain the summit of Peak 2738.

Peak 2738, view west.

Peak 2738 summit, view northwest toward the trailhead.

Harlan Peak and Pinto Valley below.

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!