Hike Ray Benchmark Cherry Creek Range BLM, NV

Jun 18, 2021 — I recommend getting to the trailhead by driving into the old town of Cherry Creek and make a left here (39.9007, -114.88626), then keeping right here (39.82018, -114.94553). Google should have no problem navigating from there. The last few miles get difficult for low clearance due to a short, eroded section. The more common approach for this peak seems to be from the west, but I was content to stop driving and attempt a route from the south, and it wored great. I can't imagine any direction is more interesting than the way I came since the peak is mostly forested and the only significant views are from the summit.

I headed up the major drainage on Ray Benchmark's south side, where I quickly picked up an animal trail that led me easily up the first half mile. At a junction in the drainage, I kept left where I was able to continue on the good animal trail. Along the way I passed the occasional old dam-like structure, rusty metal bucket, etc., so I assume at least the lower sections were used by ranchers for some purpose. Just past the junction the drainage started to get bushwhacky, so I recommend instead getting up to the right onto a thin ridgeline. I removed my drainage bushwhacking from my attached map, only keeping what I would recommend you do for the route. Once on this thin ridge, I just headed up, keeping to the crest for the most part. An occasional Class 2 minor limestone cliff band required either scrambling over it or keeping left/right to get around it. The terrain become a bit more steep as I made my way to the summit, and the views opened up briefly before some very light bushwhacking led to the summit.