Redstone Peak

View from Redstone Peak

Redstone Peak, Mystery Cairn and Vista Peak
Lake Mead NRA, Nevada
April 15, 2009

At 1068 m, Redstone Peak is the highest peak in Redstone Park, east of Las Vegas. It's also one of a few peaks closely grouped. These peaks are so minuscule and close to one another that it's a wonder why they are all named. We hiked a loop that included Redstone, Mystery Cairn and Vista Peaks. Vista Peak is the highest. We got the idea from Summitpost.

A downturn in weather had us starting in jackets and gloves with a temperature of just 9°C, and it didn't get much warmer than that. We stayed on the trail that loops around the red rocks before leaving it to hike offtrail to the three peaks.

There were no difficulties, and we could have easily added more peaks – Tall Cairn, East Redstone and Horn Toad – to our loop, although these smaller peaks probably wouldn't have added any views. Not only did we enjoy the far-reaching scenery, but also delighted in seeing the cactus blooms and occasional lizard at our feet. And then there were the stunning red sandstone outcrops, worth a visit even if one doesn't climb peaks.

KML and GPX Tracks

Left to right (black-topped peaks): East Redstone, Redstone, Mystery Cairn and Horn Toad

Starting up the trail, Redstone Peak on the left

White-crowned sparrow

We soon left the trail and hiked off-trail

Scrambling up red rocks

We headed to the saddle to the right of Redstone Peak

Checking out a window (mouse over for a close-up)

Heading to the summit

Looking back before reaching the summit of Redstone

On the summit of Redstone Peak

On our way to Mystery Cairn Peak

Vista and Mystery Cairn Peaks

Heading to Mystery Cairn

After reaching the saddle we started up to Mystery Cairn

Climbing up

The view north

A huge cairn tops the mountain

Posing on top of Mystery Cairn

Lacking obvious spines, Beavertail cactus appears harmless but bear nearly invisible prickles that are painful when they become embedded in your skin. I learned that the hard way!

Lake Mead set the backdrop as we headed for Vista Peak