Hike Wheeler Benchmark via Mine Peak Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, NV

May 08, 2021 — Wheeler Benchmark has always been a bit of a thorn of a peak on my to-do list. It's one of the more remote peaks in the Spring Mountains, and quick access from Wheeler Pass requires a burly vehicle if driving in from the north. However, a road system from the south (out of Pahrump) seemed like a possible option. I knew these roads were known for heavy ATV travel, but I figured I'd try getting to Wheeler Pass. Ultimately I ended up parking at a spot that is passable to almost any vehicle, though some reasonable clearance and somewhat decent tires are required. I likely would have been able to get a passaenger car out there, but it's not a great idea. I also tried approaching Wheeler Pass, but I wasn't enjoying myself after bashing my vehicle up a bit. Instead, I marked "4WD" on my attached map and just parked at the start of where Wheeler Pass Road gets rougher. This allowed for a nice loop that included Mine Peak, and although it added quite a bit of extra work, it was a nice hike. I should note this is NOT a trip report for Wheeler Peak, the high point of Great Basin National Park.

I started up a road heading north and turned into a drainage with some light tire tracks. Shortly after this road was blocked by a Wilderness Study Area sign and blockade, which of course ATVers seem to ignore (cool, thanks). I followed this good dirt road for a couple of miles until it eroded into a drainage as I approached the east saddle of Mine Peak. Here I passed the remnants of an old mine, for which I assume the peak is named after. From the saddle, a brushy and very steep slope led to the base of Mine Peak. I was happily surprised to find that Mine Peak would add some fun Class 3 scrambling to the day. Its blocky white summit boulders provided at leat a couple of interesting scramble options to reach the summit ridge. There might be a more direct route from the north, but I enjoyed the scrambling on the east side and then across the hundred feet of ridgeline to the high point.

I could see Wheeler Benchmark to the north, which seemed pretty far away. I dropped back to the eastern Saddle of Mine Peak and started up the progressively steepening sloping ridge that would ultimately lead to the very long southern ridge of Wheeler. Along the way, I found myself clawing at dirt a couple of times because the pine needles were slippery on the steep slope. Animal trails helped navigate through the trees and light brush, but I still found myself occasionally zig-zagging to dodge the foliage. As I approached Wheeler Benchmark's south ridge, the terrain became a lot more open and I got some views of the surrounding area. It was overall a pretty nice ascent. However, as soon as I started north toward Wheeler, I knew the terrain was going to become less fun.

For some reason I expected the route north to Wheeler to be a nice pleasant ridgeline, but there were lots of small trees whose limbs required ducking under and sometimes inconvenient brush that made walking directly impossible. While it wasn't the worst, don't expect a no-brainer ridgeline walk. There were also some nice views south toward Willow Peak and Charleston Peak, especially along the final steep slope to the summit, but the amont of zig-zagging required was a bit tedious. Speaking of the final ascent, expect loose scree and dirt and a fair amount of rough brush. The views made the work worth it, though. What a fun persepctive of the Spring Mountains from over here!

I headed south along the ridge, my intention to get down to Wheeler Pass. I thought the route-finding down the ridge to reach Wheeler Pass was going to be just another steep slope, but I was introduced to some Class 2/3 limestone. There isn't anything crazy or surprising, but I recommend making sure you stay as close to the ridge crest as possible, since there are cliffs on the left side, and the right side seemed particularly brushy. 

I made it to Wheeler Pass. Some guy in a Jeep took my photo without asking, and I was too thrown off by it to ask him "wtf", but I guess I look pretty ridiculous in my typical hiker garb, so I guess I can't blame him. Snake gaiters, running vest, high socks, goofy sunglasses, and dripping with sweat and blood. Anyway, I walked/jogged down the dirt road back to my car. The views initially were actually really nice, the open meadows unexpected. Then of course the road led through forest where I giggled along the way at the many pieces of car that were left behind from those driving to Wheeler Pass. On my way back I passed someone who had been driving on an ATV all day looking for a missing person whose Prius was found nearby, destroyed. So that was a mystery I'd be looking into later.