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Approach

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Route Description

From the Bonanza Peak trailhead at Cold Creek, Bonanza Peak is the obvious heavily forested peak above you. You can’t miss it.

Follow the well-worn and easily followed trail for 4 miles or so as it winds its way up the mountain.

Eventually, you will reach the crest of the ridge above at a saddle. Bonanza Peak is to the south and Willow Peak is to the north. This saddle is a nice place for a break.

From the saddle, follow the trail to the south. The trail winds along the west slopes of the peak then begins a series of switchbacks upward.

When you reach the highest switchback (you’ll figure it out because the crest will be just a short distance above you), leave the trail (the trail continues on south and ultimately dumps you out many miles later at the junction of the Bonanza Trail and Bristlecone Trail, a short distance from the Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort) and head upward over class 2 terrain to the crest.

The summit is only a short distance away to the south – it is tree-covered and marked with a cairn.

(Note: The mountain has two distinct "summits", though the south one is noticeably the higher one. They are separated by only a short amount of class 2 hiking.)


To descend, retrace your steps.

Roundtrip numbers are around 8-9 miles with approx. 2500 feet of gain.

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.

Images

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