Mummy Mountain Summit

The peaks of the Spring Mountains northeast of Las Vegas are predominantly limestone peaks that thrust into the sky over the younger Aztec sandstone strata below. Mummy Mountain is one of the taller peaks in southern Nevada (11,530 feet) and one of the more prominent peaks in the entire state. The peak has much more of a mountainous, alpine feel than many of the surrounding peaks due to it’s location compared to other peaks in the range and incredible views of the surrounding Mojave desert peaks as well as the peaks of the Basin and Range province to the north and east. The hike to the summit of Mummy Mountain requires negotiating a small section of Class 2 climbing and off-trail travel, and while this section is short, a small degree of route finding is also involved.

The trail to the peak begins at either Trail Canyon or the North Loop. Trail canyon is a shorter albeit steeper way to access Mummy Mountain than the North Loop Trailhead proper, but both trails converge before a small natural spring called Cave Spring. From this junction, continue another mile or so to Cave Spring and another half-mile or so to the base of a very large and obvious talus and scree slope. Ascend the steep scree slope to a prominent ridge with views of Mount Charleston and Lee Canyon to the north. From here the trail continues up a light use path to the base of a large limestone cliff band below the “tummy” of Mummy Mountain. Traverse north and west along the lower side of this cliff until an obvious lower angled shoot appears. Climb up this shoot by carefully negotiating loose slopes, especially if you are traveling with a group, and follow the gully to the summit of Mummy Mountain. The summit is a relatively flat area that makes for a phenomenal place to bivy or spend the night during a meteor shower. A few protected bivy sites are obvious and nestled among the ancient Bristlecone pines.

Spend time enjoying summit views in all directions, and on clear days, the peaks around Lake Mead National Recreation Area and Red Rock National Conservation Area stand out vividly. An abundance of Great Basin Bristlecone Pines can be seen while ascending the peak and at the summit. These pines (Pinus longaeva) are one of the longest lived tree species in the world, and can live upward of 5,000 years, though in the Spring Mountains the maximum age is closer to 3,000 years. Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of this amazing species and all the myriad varieties and forms the trees take due to their modular growth habits.