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

May 14, 2024 — 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.