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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a very remote and rough trail and may be more than you bargained for if you're used to well marked trails and signage. Although hunters and horse back riders have used these Lovell Canyon trails to enjoy the views down into Red Rock Canyon for many, many years; typically the best (safest) way is to go with someone experienced and knowledgeable about the area. That being said, the rock-by-rock description listed in Branch Whitney's CD for this hike is excellent and makes this hike accessible for first-timers. I still suggest you take a GPS and know how to use it and don't even consider hiking this one alone. This is classic Lovell Canyon hiking -- dense brush and cactus interspersed with rocky, sandy washes. Prime area for mule deer, bighorn sheep and some elk. No wild horses left in this area and burros stay down in Red Rock where the living is easy. If you ride stock to this overlook, you'll want to stay up on slopes and the ridgelines, instead of washes. Trailhead: Although this hike ends at the peak and overlook into First Creek at Red Rock Canyon, you begin and end the hike in Lovell Canyon. To reach Lovell Canyon and the trailhead/parking from the Las Vegas strip, take I-15 to Blue Diamond Road (SR160 aka Pahrump Highway). If you're from out of town, the Silverton Casino is located on the W side of I-15 at SR160. Head W on SR160 passing the turn to Red Rock Canyon, passing Cottonwood Valley, and passing Mountain Springs until you've gone 24 miles to the signed Lovell Canyon Road. Head N (R) and drive 3.1 miles on the paved Lovell Canyon Road, turning NE (R) on dirt road (lat 36.06092 lon -115.55949). Take R fork after 1 mile and continue to "circle" to park (lat 36.07623 lon -115.51696). Passenger vehicles will NOT make this road. Full size trucks will NOT make the last 1 mile -- park off the road and walk to the circle to begin the hike. Horse trailers should park just off Lovell Canyon Road and ride the dirt road in. (Lat:36.07623 Lon:-115.51696) Trail Guides for First Creek Peak & Overlook: 120 Best Hikes in Southern Nevada and Beyond (CD) by Branch Whitney (Branch Whitney) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400, emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Mike on 3/8/2009 Followed the directions to the letter and wound up in some lame hill area. Unless I missed something those directions would never take you anywhere near First Peak. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
