"Bootleg canyon, hit three peaks from the top parking lot. I wasn't sure about River Mountain but it was an easy trail that covers miles very quickly. Beautiful views all around, and the road to get to the trailheads are well maintained. " — MikeERodriguez • Nov 29, 2025

"Quite pleasant . Two bighorns led me up the whole way on the river mtn benchmark. The register on river mtn peak is not where peakery has it or where the coordinates in r&s have it . " — joshortman • Mar 6, 2023

"3.9.22~Red Mtn to The River Mtn Highpoint 6 peak/lump traverse/Jog. 6.7 miles, 2,100’ gain in 2:45hrs. I’m starting to come back to life from last weekend’s 48 mile virtual run event. Felt good to ridge surf & trail run. Weather was perfect. Breezes were divine. I haven’t done this traverse in 9 years. I love the sheep trail highways that lead the way." — paula.raimondi • Mar 9, 2022

"5.7.2020~River Mtn Peak. 16 miles RT 1,600’ gain of E-Mtn biking to the saddle (from my front door in Henderson) ....Hike portion .7 RT, 400’ gain. My husband bought me a motorized Mtn bike and bike rack for my car so I can peakbag remote peaks that require long approaches on 4x4 jeep trails. This trip was to practice handling this Mtn bike. Even though it has a motor it takes skill, balance and strength to handle taking it up and down the rough, sandy, gravel jeep trails. It’s quite the workout and this trek has made me more confident. I’m excited to use it for loftier goals." — paula.raimondi • May 7, 2020

"A rare overnight snowstorm in the desert turned the River Mountains into a winter wonderland that was magical and unique. Kasie texted me early, very excited to get out and run and snow trek to the River Mtn BM/HP. We started in the lot for the RM trail near st Jude’s. We took trails and cross country to the peak for nearly 10 miles, 2,100’ gain. It was so spectacular. A lot of the snow on southern exposed mountainsides was melted on our return. The Caldera Valley was filled with snow and when I took the kids later most all of it was melted. " — paula.raimondi • Feb 18, 2019

"The River Mountains are a special place for me. It’s the first place I use to go to adventure, run and get off the grid. The kids and I decided we would go there and pick up the trash and beer cans I saw yesterday near the Summit. We filled 3 bags and got 5 miles in. Jimmy, Charlie & I bagged the River Mountain Summit while the rest of the family had a picnic and enjoyed the views from the saddle. We also found our elves free climbing the Bootleg Dawn wall! Yea! I knew these elves were play-yas. Whoop! Bring on Santa time!" — paula.raimondi • Dec 24, 2018

"We parked in Bootleg Canyon, near the 4x4 road up to the aeronautics/radio tower and Black Mountain Overlook. We hiked down a 4x4 road and to the wrong powerline/pole road, traversed over to the *correct* pole road, then followed that up to the saddle between River Mountain Peak and River Mountain Benchmark. We went up the ridge from the saddle to River Mountain Benchmark. From there we traversed the ridgeline down and up and down and over another pole road and back up and up again to Peak 3620', which is apparently named ChEd Peak? Or so one of our hiking companions today said. I'm not inclined to dispute him. The ridgeline was full of crappy, loose rock. Bleh. Lots of slipping and sliding. Considering my bruises from yesterday's fall, I wasn't pleased at my slipping and sliding (although I didn't fall again, thank goodness). Paula ran up and joined us on the second peak, which was a welcome surprise! From 3620'/ChEd peak, we traversed due south/west-ish down the ridgeline to return to a powerline road, then cut across desert to find the 4x4 road that would take us back to the cars. " — psychikingjes • Dec 23, 2018

"Parked along the bootleg canyon road and followed a series of dirt roads to the saddle southeast of River Mountain Benchmark, then took a goat path to the top. From there, we traversed the ridge to Peak 3620, which was also called ChEd Peak in the register (named by Chris & Ed, who were up there last year. We took a cross-country way back along the valley. Paula & James caught up to us at ChEd Peak and hiked out with us. What a great surprise!" — Kevin • Dec 23, 2018

"My choice for this hike was the highest point of the River Mountain Range. I started out from Henderson and the River Mountain Loop Trail, which made a long hike from the foothills to the peaks of the River Mountains! Aside from the length of the hike, the mountain itself is easy to find, following the power line road to the saddle between the River Mountain Benchmark and River Mountain. Then up to the left to the highest point. As most of the higher points around the Vegas valley, the views from the top are great. On this hike, I saw one coyote watching me early on, and then a family of quail, on my way out. Bring plenty of water, if you're choosing to make this trip, and for sure don't attempt it in the summer!" — GMan • Mar 10, 2017

"Ran up turtle shell gully from boulder city, the sheep trails on the ridges north of the bench overlook to the peaks true black and river mtn. took jeep rd 155 back, to caldara, boy scout to saddle, down river mtn trail, then drainage to car " — paula.raimondi • Jan 12, 2013