I've traversed this ridge from both sides, and can offer two comments.
First, the easiest road approach is to take the Wheeler Pass Road from just east of Pahrump. When last I was on this road, it was good enough for a passenger car. (North of Wheeler Pass, the road is very bad.) Then head east up to the summit.
Second, the route from Bonanza Peak is very scenic, if you don't mind the fact that Willow Ridge is denuded of trees mainly by fire (that's what gives it the "alpine feel"). There is a very big arch along the way: Willow Arch
Just east of the arch, you can go either north or south of the ridge (class 2), or right along the ridge (more than class 2). West of the arch, there is some mild class 3, but rather crappy rock.
I lost a bottle of orange juice SE of the summit in April 2003. If you find the bottle, you are free to drink the juice, though it may be rather hard by now.
MoapaPk - Mar 24, 2007 8:41 pm - Hasn't voted
both routesI've traversed this ridge from both sides, and can offer two comments.
First, the easiest road approach is to take the Wheeler Pass Road from just east of Pahrump. When last I was on this road, it was good enough for a passenger car. (North of Wheeler Pass, the road is very bad.) Then head east up to the summit.
Second, the route from Bonanza Peak is very scenic, if you don't mind the fact that Willow Ridge is denuded of trees mainly by fire (that's what gives it the "alpine feel"). There is a very big arch along the way:
Willow Arch
Just east of the arch, you can go either north or south of the ridge (class 2), or right along the ridge (more than class 2). West of the arch, there is some mild class 3, but rather crappy rock.
I lost a bottle of orange juice SE of the summit in April 2003. If you find the bottle, you are free to drink the juice, though it may be rather hard by now.