McFarland Peak via Bristlecone Trail in Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, NV

Hike McFarland Peak via Bristlecone Trail Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, NV

Class 2 14.1 miles 4500 gain 6-8 hrs Out + Back May 24, 2018
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

McFarland Peak via Bristlecone Trail GPX Track

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The long and somewhat pretty Upper Bristlecone Trail takes you from Lee Canyon along a ridge to the base of McFarland Peak, with views of Charleston Peak and Mummy Mountain. When the trail starts to descend, look out for a gully that leads up some Class 2, with one Class 2+ section, to the summit rim of McFarland Peak. You can make the scramble harder, but if you're on sustained Class 3, there's an easier way. On the way back, Divide Peak is just along the ridgeline, and has some nice views and easy bagging potential, if you're into that sort of thing.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
McFarland Peak
10745 ft
1165 rise
2
Divide Peak
10069 ft
n/a rise

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Starting from the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead.
Starting from the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead.
Image 1 from gallery
Mostly forested trail, with occasional views of Mummy Mountain, Charleston Peak, The Sisters, and eventually, Macks Peak. In this photo, you can see Mummy Mountain.
Mostly forested trail, with occasional views of Mummy Mountain, Charleston Peak, The Sisters, and eventually, Macks Peak. In this photo, you can see Mummy Mountain.
Image 3 from gallery
Looking back toward the north side of Charleston Peak.
Looking back toward the north side of Charleston Peak.
Image 5 from gallery
The Sisters visible ahead.
The Sisters visible ahead.
McFarland Peak comes into view along the ridge.
McFarland Peak comes into view along the ridge.
Along the ridge, looking back toward Mummy Mountain.
Along the ridge, looking back toward Mummy Mountain.
Charleston Peak visible behind me.
Charleston Peak visible behind me.
Approaching McFarland Peak.
Approaching McFarland Peak.
Go to the west side of the massive feature you see initially.
Go to the west side of the massive feature you see initially.
Approaching the gully to gain the McFarland Peak summit on the right.
Approaching the gully to gain the McFarland Peak summit on the right.
Heading up the gully - there is a use trail visible the while way up, with cairns as well.
Heading up the gully - there is a use trail visible the while way up, with cairns as well.
Image 14 from gallery
Image 15 from gallery
Image 16 from gallery
Image 17 from gallery
Summit rim of McFarland.
Summit rim of McFarland.
Heading up along the rim, Charleston Peak visible on the right.
Heading up along the rim, Charleston Peak visible on the right.
Looking back along the summit rim.
Looking back along the summit rim.
Image 21 from gallery
McFarland Peak summit looking southeast. Mummy Mountain on the left, Charleston Peak on the right.
McFarland Peak summit looking southeast. Mummy Mountain on the left, Charleston Peak on the right.
McFarland Peak summit looking east. Macks Peak visible on the right.
McFarland Peak summit looking east. Macks Peak visible on the right.
Close-up of Macks Peak and The Sisters.
Close-up of Macks Peak and The Sisters.
On the way back, a quick peak bag of Divide Peak.
On the way back, a quick peak bag of Divide Peak.
Divide Peak summit looking toward Mummy Mountain and Charleston Peak.
Divide Peak summit looking toward Mummy Mountain and Charleston Peak.

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!