Approach
See "option 2" on main page.
Route Description
After hiking or driving to Wheeler Pass, gain the northwest ridge of Willow Peak (to the south) and start up.
Staying near the crest of the ridge, follow it to the summit. The summit is marked with a cairn and has a register.
In the summer months, this hike is a straightforward endeavor. The occasional terrain obstacle is encountered but easily avoided, if one so chooses.
During the winter months, the northwest ridge holds a lot of snow. The ridge is spiney in places, and I found it great fun to follow it directly, up and over spines, all the way to the top. If going direct, the terrain is sometimes in the class 4 realm. Self-arrest skills (don't forget an ice axe) are important as the summit ridge is sometimes narrow and exposed in places. Also, watch for cornices.
RT numbers from Wheeler Pass are wimpy - 3 miles / maybe 1700 feet of gain (max).
To descend, retrace your steps, or do as I did and head down the northeast face. I don't recall enough about the northeast face to put up a route description for it, but when I did it in January, it was very icy in places and steep.
Essential Gear
Late Spring / Summer / Fall - The usual hiking stuff. Temperatures in the higher elevations can be considerably cooler than in the Vegas valley to the south. Bring plenty of water.
Winter / early Spring – The usual cold weather hiking/climbing gear. Expect lots of snow. Don't forget snowshoes.
Images
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Spring Mountains
