Turtlehead Peak

I did the Madre Springs / White Mountain loop at this place over Thanksgiving 07. Turtlehead Peak was visible from the saddle, the highest point along the route.

This was one of the most scenic hikes I’ve ever been on. I saw Bighorn sheep, pictographs, and an amazingly colorful assortment of rocks (on the west side of White Mtn).

Most definitely worth visiting.

I found the Las Vegas fitness nut’s mountain! You find them everywhere: from Boulder to Burlington. It is a mountain that all the hardcore mountain jocks like to trail run while the rest of us trudge up to the summit. I met tons of runners, many hikers, and not a few dogs out for a nice walk. Be warned: this is not an easy hike, even though it is pretty popular. There is over 2000 ft of elevation gain and no real trail (just a bunch of use trails). But the view from the top is worth it!

Date of trip: 10/8/06
Hiked with: Husband and dog
Location: Nevada, Las Vegas, Red Rock National Recreation Area, Sandstone Quarry parking lot
Route: Turtlehead Peak trail
Weather: Sunny in the high 70’s/low 80’s
Altitudes/Elevations: Trailhead 4335/ ft. Highest 6323
Sightings: Chipmunks
Gear: day-hiking, but bring lots of extra water
Overall rating: Tough, but worth doing!