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Frenchman Mountain


Highlights:

Great View of Las Vegas,Nellis Air Base & Las Vegas Speedway
Near:North Las Vegas, NV
Scenery:
Distance:4.5 miles
Elevation Gain:1600 ft
Hike Time:3 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Point to Point



Summary: THis is a very very steep gravel road. The best time to hike this would be Fall,Winter or Spring. After you get to the top of the false summit (great resting spot) and start down into the saddle look on both side to see some really nice barrel cati. Don't let the steepness stop you from going all the way to the top as the view is spectular. If it is a clear day you can see all the casinos to the SouthWest. Looking West is Red Rock and Mount Charleston. Then look NorthWest to see Nellis Air Base and farther North to see Las Vegas Speedway. The great part is if the Jets are taking off & landing at the Air Base. I put a ammo can up in front of the false summit to sign in. I put it their as someone already had stacked up a rock pile and I was to tired to build another one. Maybe next time I go I will rebuild it at the true summit.
Trailhead: From Spring Mtn Blvd get on I-15 North and get off on the Lake Mead exit. Go East until you get to the mountains. Those will be Sunrise Mountains. In about 1 mile or so look to the South, Right and you will see a very steep gravel road heading up the mountain. Park on the outside of the fence and just start walking up that very steep gravel road. You will be able to see a metel pole with a gate about 10 min from the road. That gate has been open everytime I have been up their. Just follow the road until you get to top. (Lat:36.12152 Lon:-114.59362)
Trail Guides for  Frenchman Mountain:
Hiking Southern Nevada
by Branch Whitney ()

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: BLM Bureau of Land Management
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by David Briggs, who has posted  5 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by bobbyk on 11/2/2009
Up Up Up. Pretty strenuous walk. The Nevada Day weather was absolutely perfect. A great way to clear ones body of Halloween nights party. Trail head looks like a place for stolen car dumping and keger parties. The trail is a jeep trail used to service the transmitters at the mountain peak. Walking over rocky ruts is but could cause a slip and fall if not careful. Along the trail you will see gray limestone and quartz agate all covered with a fine white talc.Elevation 4,054 feet at the summit. Radio towers loom over the peak. I have seen the city before, but this is a unique view. It looks like a giant thriving ant colony. Allow an hour to take it in. Make sure you look at the Lake Mead view, thrust faults exposed in a multitude of color.

Reviewed by Richard on 10/7/2009
A realy nice walk is to start at the wetlands park off of Trop just north of Duck creak .go to the bridg and walk to w holywood go south untill you reach Lake Lasvegas it,s a great walk but you might a ride home.Also same start then cross w holywood and up to Frenchman mountain was there yesterday fantastic.Take lot of water and a snack.have a nice hike

Reviewed by MukundD on 6/13/2009
Hiked today morning (2009-06-13). One of the best hikes I ever did. Somewhat strenous but could make it to the top in 1 hr 50 min. Once you see Las Vegas from the top of the mountain, you will remember that moment and that view forever. Spent about 20 min taking pictures and started back. Getting down was also a very good workout. I slipped couple of times, but managed by balance somehow.It took little over an hour to get back. As many suggested, once you reach the first summit (false summit) you can make it to the second summit too. Take lots of water... Enjoy the hike and the views of Vegas in a different perspective.. good luck.

Reviewed by Dalman on 2/1/2009
The view is what makes this trip worth while. It's a road more than a trail and the steep grade is made worse by very loose gravel and rocks that make daytime footing a challenge and a night time decent a little crazy. Still, if you make it to the top and can brave the sheer drops to walk all the way out on the precipice, the vista is simply stunning. A must hike for Las Vegas outdoorsmen. http://gallery.mac.com/dalman/

Reviewed by Jeesica on 11/4/2008
I went on this hike early afternoon. The temp was about 70 which was perfect because i never got too hot. Very strenuous, but so worth the climb. Great views and very peaceful and quiet.

Reviewed by Shevvers on 9/15/2008
Enjoyable hike, fairly easy for anyone in half-decent shape, great views of Vegas with some nice barrel cacti en route. The main difficulty is coming down, trying not to slip on the gravel.

Reviewed by nick on 6/7/2008
I have not really hiked much, but ive gone up there a cuople times, i live about a mile a way. me and my cousin went out there today, and it was hard. but it was a fun trip, just make sure to bring lots of water, youll need it.

Reviewed by scotty on 3/9/2008
JCJ had it right on. Boy was this a workout. I run regularly (on a track) and thought I was in good shape. Nope. This 'walk' kicked my ass. At least 2 hours to the top. Rest frequently, bring water (2 qrts ea) and enjoy the walk. Heather Jones said it last year, and she was right... when you get to the first summit, and see the next portion, don't be afraid. It's easier than what you have just done. My estimate: first summit is 3/5 of total distance, 2nd summit is remaining 2/5th of the total distance. 1600ft elevation gain? I would have put it over 2K ft! And at that, it's like 1600 to the first peak, down maybe 200 feet, and then up another 600 ft from there. Get the idea? lots of UP! :-) But, a really fun


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.
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