Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Peaks in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV

Hike Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Peaks Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, NV

Class 2 5.4 miles 2300 gain 2-4 hrs Loop May 14, 2024
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Peaks GPX Track

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The Rainbow Mountain Wilderness is known for the incredible sandstone cliffs of Red Rock Canyon, but this group of peaks includes some of the higher points in the wilderness area located farther back to the west. They get very little attention because they're basically just brushy lumps without trails. Located on the limestone side of the Keystone Thrust, this area misses the gorgeous sandstone wonderland except seen from a distance. Those visiting this part of the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness are likely looking to reach the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Point, but I thought that was a peak annoying and not cool enough to write a trip report for a year ago. While this hike doesn't reach that point to the north, I thought this cluster was nice enough to at least show some pictures of the area.

The road was in good enough shape for vehicles with some clearance, though passenger cars likely would have trouble and would need to start much closer to the Lovell Canyon Road turnoff. The Mountain Springs area features some large agave roasting pits, their size and abundance suggesting the area was frequently used by ancient peoples. I parked next to one of these pits shortly before the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness boundary and headed northeast along an initially brushy ridge toward Peak Four. The ridge became less annoying shortly after, and the views were prettier than I expected for this forgotten area of Red Rock Canyon.

Continuing north, I followed the ridge over a small bump and then dropped down a steep slope with some brush that is easily avoided. Profile Point was just a forgettable lump, but at least I could see Bridge Mountain poking out. Honestly, the unique backside views of Red Rocks and the taller Spring Mountains peaks were pretty cool. The route I chose down from the ridge had considerably more brush than I'd encountered so far, but it only persisted until I made it into the drainage below.

I hiked south within this drainage, leaving it occasionally to avoid brush, and when my final peak of this loop, The Roasting Pit (I assume named for the same one I'd parked next to?), lay before me I started up its northern slope. This was a steep ascent, but more forested than brushy, so it wasn't too trying of a task. I mindlessly descended from this peak along its western ridge and slope to return to my car.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Peak Four
6903 ft
407 rise
2
Profile Point
6893 ft
364 rise
3
The Roasting Pit
6427 ft
325 rise

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Peak Four seen center, from where I parked.
Peak Four seen center, from where I parked.
View back down as I make my way up Peak Four.
View back down as I make my way up Peak Four.
Image 2 from gallery
Peak Four ahead.
Peak Four ahead.
Peak Four.
Peak Four.
Peak Four summit, view back.
Peak Four summit, view back.
Onward to Profile Point, the lump on the left. Above it is the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Point.
Onward to Profile Point, the lump on the left. Above it is the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Point.
Approaching Profile Point.
Approaching Profile Point.
Profile Point, view toward the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Point. Bridge Mountain seen on the right, as well.
Profile Point, view toward the Rainbow Mountain Wilderness High Point. Bridge Mountain seen on the right, as well.
Profile Point, view south. Peak Four far left. Mount Potosi seen left.
Profile Point, view south. Peak Four far left. Mount Potosi seen left.
I descended into the drainage to the east, a bit brushy.
I descended into the drainage to the east, a bit brushy.
Following the drainage south.
Following the drainage south.
Rocky, but pretty clear of brush. The Roasting Pit, my last peak, seen ahead.
Rocky, but pretty clear of brush. The Roasting Pit, my last peak, seen ahead.
Ascending the steep northern slope of The Roasting Pit.
Ascending the steep northern slope of The Roasting Pit.
View toward Peak Four (left) and the drainage I hiked down (right).
View toward Peak Four (left) and the drainage I hiked down (right).
The Roasting Pit summit ahead.
The Roasting Pit summit ahead.
I descended the western slope down to my car. The road I drove in on seen on the right.
I descended the western slope down to my car. The road I drove in on seen on the 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!