{"id":11067,"date":"2022-08-20T06:59:27","date_gmt":"2022-08-20T06:59:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/?page_id=11067"},"modified":"2022-08-20T06:59:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-20T06:59:32","slug":"quartzite-mountain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/index.php\/peak-bagging\/quartzite-mountain\/","title":{"rendered":"Quartzite Mountain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Don\u2019t judge a book by its cover. The same saying applies to mountains too. Quartzite Mountain in the Desert National Wildlife Refuge<\/a> is definitely one of those.<\/p>\n

This little-known peak sits deep in the refuge and sees less than 10 ascents per year, don\u2019t let that be a deterrent.<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h4>\n

Quartzite Mountain lies north of Las Vegas along US-95. Follow the signs to the refuge, this will be a right hand turn on Corn Creek Rd.<\/p>\n

Once you pass the visitor center the road turns to dirt and a large sign shows all of the points of interest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hang a right and follow Mormon Well Rd. all the way to Peek-A-Boo Canyon. The road is wash-board and bouncy. Most of it can be driven 20-25 mph, however, there are some sections you will need to slow.<\/p>\n

\"Mormon

Mormon Well Rd going through Peek-A-Boo Canyon<\/p><\/div>\n

If you are coming all the way out here, it\u2019s likely you have a gps track downloaded. Wherever your track starts, start there.<\/p>\n

The Trail<\/h4>\n

Once you park, look for a small sign in the wash prohibiting OHV traffic. This is the start of the trail.<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

Start of hike to Quartzite Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n

The wash is gravely for the most part giving a good ankle workout. Further in, pinyon pines and brush start to encroach.<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

The trail follows this gravel wash bottom.<\/p><\/div>\n

Next you will want to exit the wash to the left and head for the now visible peak across an old burn scar.<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

An old burn scar on the way to Quartzite Mountain<\/p><\/div>\n

The terrain is easy going and starts to climb. I angled for a rock outcropping which I passed on the left side using a stable talus field.<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

A small talus field near the summit ridge.<\/p><\/div>\n

Once on the ridge, some very light class 2+ rock formation is easily climbed over.<\/p>\n

The Summit<\/h4>\n

After the short obstacle, the summit block comes into view.<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

The class 2+ summit climb.<\/p><\/div>\n

A short, easy, and non-exposed scramble will get the hiker to the top and excellent views abound!<\/p>\n

\"Quartzite

Summit views towards Moapa Peak and Mormon Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

The Spring Mountains, Hayford Peak<\/a>, Virgin Peak and all the way to Signal Peak<\/a> in Utah are visible.<\/p>\n

\"Hayford

Hayford Peak<\/p><\/div>\n

The Final Word<\/h4>\n

As mentioned above, this turned out to be a super nice hike on fairly gentle terrain. I enjoyed the area. Only six people climbed this peak in 2021, showing just how much solitude can be found here.<\/p>\n

If you are in Vegas and chasing the Great Basin Peak List, this is a good one to take on. Combining this hike with nearby Gass Peak<\/a> is also an intriguing option.<\/p>\n