8.0 mi to summit
12.5 mi total
5,007 ft start
8,695 ft max
3,978 ft gain
5 hr 57 min to summit
8 hr 9 min total
After a 3rd consecutive extremely noisy night at Manker Flats Campground (I think there was a rave that was still going when we left camp around 230am), we were utterly exhausted, but still wanted to do this hike. We started (slowly) a little after 3am from Icehouse Canyon and reached the saddle just before sunrise. After a short rest, we continued on to Ontario Peak, where there were already a few people enjoying the excellent view. We turned back after a small meal and then took the faint path up to Bighorn Peak. From there, instead of taking the trail back, we descended the loose slope directly back down to Icehouse Saddle, then followed the trail back down to the car. It was nice to finally get to see the beauty of this canyon during daylight hours. As tired as we were, we still had to drive back to Vegas that afternoon. Ugghhh.
routefinding, stream crossing, rockfall/loose rock
GPS device