Frenchman Mountain

Frenchman Mountain, North Summit
Las Vegas, Nevada
April 22, 2009
Distance: 9.0 km (5.6 mi)
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 490 m (1608 ft)

Another hot day in Las Vegas left me with limited options for a climb, so I settled on ascending a minor peak at the east edge of the city. Frenchman Mountain is known for its view of the city.

The hike began on a steep road so full of loose rock it was like ascending a scree slope. I passed a man coming down who did both summits. When he told me that the South Summit was fenced off, I decided to climb only the North Summit (later I learned it's possible to go around the fence). With no approach and an elevation gain of 433 m, this would be a quick trip which suited me fine as it was already hot in the morning.

When I reached the North Summit I found power poles prevented me from taking a panorama. So I dropped down to the road and ascended 70 m to the nub east. This lesser peak, clear of man's handiwork, afforded an unobstructed panorama as well as a feeling of solitude.

The North Summit (right) seen from the highway

The road continues over a saddle to the South Summit but I settled on climbing the North Summit (right) and east peak (left).

A hiker descends the road

A truck drives up a switchback backwards. Vehicles can only back up at the end of a switchback as there is no room to turn. Ergo, every other switchback is driven backwards.