3.27.2020~5 peak solo, 12 miles, 4,000’ gain, 8:29hrs. Cathedral West, Cathedral HP, Chalcedony, Chalcedony South and Red Barrel Peak. I started out in light rain and was immediately greeted by wild Horses. There was an abundance of wildflowers and grasses. The landscape was enchanting and stunning with jaw dropping views. I saw a lot of bighorn rams, an underwater caterpillar and a Turkey Vulture. Crystal recommended this area to me so I had to check it out. It did not disappoint! I was super slow today because of a groin injury I’ve been dealing with and it was so pretty, I stopped to take a million photos. Wrong shoe choice too. Slow is a good thing in this area as there is so much to see.
https://youtu.be/SV6cTW4fwsY
https://youtu.be/lyeo3JT27_s
https://youtu.be/eXkAlSKHk9g
StudioHoodoo
Glad you enjoyed! The flowers are awesome down there. I camped atop Chalcedony Peak once. It was amazing. It is so named for the "chalcedony roses" (pretty rocks that look like crystal roses) that can be found on it's slopes. Jimbilnan is the name of the Wilderness Area. It was named after 3 people who worked to get Wilderness status for it (Jim, Bill & Nancy). It sits to the NE of Boathouse Cove Road. The other side of the road is the start of Pinto Valley Wilderness. I think Cathedral Peak is the edge of it to the north. Those peaks across the lake are indeed in Gold Butte. Is Lake Mead still open to cars? I thought they were blocking all cars at the entrances?
paula.raimondi
Thank you and thank you for your recommendation of this area. Ya know, it is blocked and closed but I was bad...they stopped me and turned me around at LLVegas entrance so I took 1-15 thru valley of Fire and went around the cones at the unmanned Overton Lake mead entrance. I know that isn’t the right thing to do but I know the shutdown is important to keep the crowds from the main areas and I was just going to be off grid not hurting the social distancing objective. I feel ashamed I did that but the weather will soon be too hot to go.
StudioHoodoo
Hahaha! Yeah, the problem isn't solo hikers in remote wilderness, it's the boating areas & such. I was bummed that they closed it, but I'm quarantined anyway. Happy to live vicariously through your pics!
paula.raimondi
Haha.....I’ve been living the “social distancing” lifestyle since I was little! Lol....... oh no! Hope you are ok!? This virus is So scary :(
StudioHoodoo
My husband & I have been sick the last 2 weeks. We're on the list to be tested, but we are finally turning the corner & feeling better. Ugh!
paula.raimondi
Oh good. Glad you are both on the mend. :@)