Target Benchmark in Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV

Hike Target Benchmark Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV

Class 2 5.4 miles 2100 gain 2-4 hrs Loop Jan 24, 2021
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

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Desert National Wildlife Refuge is mostly known as the home to Hayford Peak, but there are a bunch of other mostly unmemorable desert peaks in the area. Target Benchmark is one such peak, but Jon and I had a good time. Apparently this area is at risk of being commandeered by the Nellis Air Force Range, you know, because the military doesn't already have enough land apparently. The road leading to the trailhead is overall very good, but it does get a little rocky so decent tires are a good idea. We parked at a "no cars" sign, despite the existence of a road and followed this old road for a while, leaving it to head toward the eastern spur ridge leading to Target Benchmark. Class 2 led us most of the way up, with a short Class 2+ move on very solid rock about 3/4 of the way along the ridge. The summit views were nice from Target Benchmark and we decided to continue along the ridge to Bullseye Peak to the south. We named it this due to its proximity to "Target Benchmark", since it was previously labeled the alluring "Peak 5938". The ridgeline was a little steep leading down to the saddle, but barely even Class 2.

A Class 2 loose slope led to jsut below the summit of Bullseye Peak, and the final ridgeline went at Class 2. We dropped back to the saddle and descended the slope (it looks steeper on a map than it was) into a rocky drainage. The drainage entered a short canyon, and then continued through the desert back to the car.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Target Benchmark
6043 ft
1583 rise
2
Bullseye Peak (Peak 5938)
5938 ft
318 rise

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We parked at this sign and headed along the road. Target Benchmark is the black-topped peak visible center.
We parked at this sign and headed along the road. Target Benchmark is the black-topped peak visible center.
After leaving the road, we ascended an initial hill to reach the primary eastern spur ridge.
After leaving the road, we ascended an initial hill to reach the primary eastern spur ridge.
Looking back as we ascend the eastern spur ridge. We came from the faint road you can see just right of center.
Looking back as we ascend the eastern spur ridge. We came from the faint road you can see just right of center.
Class 2 ridgeline.
Class 2 ridgeline.
View back.
View back.
Class 2.
Class 2.
Short Class 2+ section above 3/4 of the way up.
Short Class 2+ section above 3/4 of the way up.
View back toward the Class 2 ridgeline.
View back toward the Class 2 ridgeline.
View north into the Nellis Air Force Base. Area 51 is out there somewhere.
View north into the Nellis Air Force Base. Area 51 is out there somewhere.
Target Benchmark summit, view toward Bullseye Peak. Charleston Peak visible top right.
Target Benchmark summit, view toward Bullseye Peak. Charleston Peak visible top right.
Along the ridge. You can see the Class 2 slope we'd use to access Bullseye Peak, just right of its ridge.
Along the ridge. You can see the Class 2 slope we'd use to access Bullseye Peak, just right of its ridge.
Class 2 loose slope up to Bullseye Peak.
Class 2 loose slope up to Bullseye Peak.
We skirted the craggy ridgeline about halfway, then ascended on Class 2 stuff to gain the summit.
We skirted the craggy ridgeline about halfway, then ascended on Class 2 stuff to gain the summit.
View back toward Target Benchmark (left).
View back toward Target Benchmark (left).
Back at the saddle of Target and Bullseye, we headed down the slope. Hayford Peak and Sheep Peak visible in the distance. We headed into the short canyon in the center.
Back at the saddle of Target and Bullseye, we headed down the slope. Hayford Peak and Sheep Peak visible in the distance. We headed into the short canyon in the center.
View back up the canyon toward Bullseye Peak.
View back up the canyon toward Bullseye 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!