Bard Peak

Overview

Bard Peak, unofficially named (Point 4,969 on maps), can be hiked in combination with Ireteba Peak. The views of the Colorado River to the East and Lake Mojave to the Southeast are superb. Views to Spirit Mountain to the South, Red Rocks and Spring Mountains to the NW are great too.

Bard Peak is in the El Dorado Mountain range of southern Nevada in Ireteba Peaks Wilderness. It is about 0.4 miles south of Ireteba Peak, the highest peak of the range.

 
 

Getting There

From Las Vegas drive South on HWY 93/95 towards Boulder City. Just passed the Railroad Pass turn south on HWY 95 towards Searchlight. Drive 28.2 miles and turn left (East) onto a dirt road just past mile marker 28. Go on this dirt road for 2 miles. Turn left and drive for 0.7 miles and then turn right on another dirt road. Drive on this dirt road for 2.6 miles and park just before the road curves to the right (South). There will be a wildlife guzzler a little before the parking spot on the right. The coordinates for the parking spot are 35º 35.067 N and 114º 50.313 W. Elevation is approximately 3,880 feet. A 4WD is not needed to get here, but a high clearance vehicle is.

Alternative route if coming from the South

Driving through Searchlight at the intersection of HWY 95 and HWY 164, drive North on HWY 95 for about 7.6 miles. The dirt road is on your right. Turn right (East). Go on this dirt road for 2 miles. Turn left and drive for 0.7 miles and then turn right on another dirt road. Then turn right onto another dirt road for 2.6 miles and park just before the road curves to the right (South).

Red Tape

There are no permits needed to hike this peak.

The Hike

This peak is can be hiked in conjunction with Ireteba Peak. From the parking area enter the wash just to the left (North) of your vehicle. Start hiking along the wash until you come to Bard Peak’s west ridge. Start hiking and scrambling up the ridge to Bard Peak. Total distance to summit is about 0.9 miles. Refer to this route for specific directions on the route for the Bard-Ireteba combination route.

Alternatively you could hike up Bard’s South ridge and head directly to the summit. From there you could hike down to the saddle between Ireteba and Bard and hike up to Ireteba. You can then hike down Ireteba’s west ridge into the wash. Once you come to a small hill in the wash, turn left (South) and hike over 3 washes back to parking spot.

 
 

External Links

Jim Boone’s page of Ireteba Peaks Wilderness

Photos of Bard and Ireteba

Images

View Bard Peak Image Gallery - 28 Images