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Hike Date: 04/15/06 - Distance: 6 miles + - Elevation: 6,471 - Elevation Gain: 3300 ft / 1005.84 m
Harlan's Moapa Peak directions available HERE
A fun hike after camping at Gold Strike Hot springs the night before and getting a nice pre-dawn soak. Moapa was loaded with great desert blooms spectacular views of Valley of Fire, Virgin Peak, Mormon Peak and the Virgin River as it empties into the Overton Arm of Lake Mead. The original route wanders along ridges beneath Moapa's limestone cliff bands then swings back around to a knife edge ridge that leads up to a nice summit. The knife edge is straight forward, but has just enough exposure to make some people nervous and even more so if you add some wind to the adventure. We encountered strong winds part of the way yet it backed off a bit for the final stretch across knife edge. We also encountered a large family of hungry Kangaroo Rats that were grateful for Anna's generosity with her apple and thought my fingers looked tasty also as I hand fed them. Descent turned into a fun exploratory with some 4th and easy 5th class moves to reach main trail.
From highway I -15 take Exit 100 (Elgin, Carp) turn North under I - 15 and proceed to first dirt road in which you will make a right turn and then a Left turn onto first dirt road which is only a few hundred feet from road that goes beneath freeway. We proceeded along a good dirt road and passed high power lines, a circular water trough, and a corral. The last three miles are high clearance or carefully driving skills to reach main parking area which is below a 4wd hill that heads Left or South at top of hill to leading to other nearby peaks. Moapa's trail head goes North at top of hill past a nice meadow with sign marking BLM Wilderness Area.
Moapa Mountain is clearly visible from I - 15 looking North.
For Henry & Anna's Pictures Click Camera.
Hiking Resources:
ADDITIONAL FREE LAS VEGAS HIKING INFORMATION
links to other website's for Hikes near and around Las Vegas, Nevada
One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. - William Shakespeare
