Hike to the Peak of Mummy Mountain

Just 45 minutes northwest of Las Vegas is the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area. Home to Mt. Charleston, the highest peak in southern Nevada the Spring Mountains consist of Kyle and Lee Canyons.

The hike to Mummy Mountain begins at the Trail Canyon trailhead at the end of Kyle Canyon Road (NV-157). The trailhead begins at approximately 7,800' in elevation and is a marked gravel parking lot with plenty of parking and facilities.

The hike begins by traveling in a northerly direction and you will follow this trail for approximately 2 miles at which point you will reach a trail intersection with the North Loop Trail. From this point the toe of Mummy Mountain will be visible directly in front of you.

From the intersection you will turn left (NW) to continue following the trail. After 0.5 miles you will come across Cave Spring. Cave Spring is a carved out tree that forms a trough to catch water flowing from the spring at the base of the cliffs in front of you. The hike continues for approximately 1 mile at which point it will switchback across a scree slope. The scree slope is impossible to miss. It is an extremely steep barren hill covered in loose rock. If you have any doubts there is a tree on the left side of the trail with a giant M carved into it. At the M you will turn right and begin to climb up the slope. 

At this point trekking poles are highly recommended to help keep your body upright as you ascend the slope. The climb is possible without trekking poles but you will be on all fours getting to the top. 

At the top of the scree slope you will have gained over 600' in elevation in just a couple hundred yards of lateral distance. 

Once at the top of slope you will be on top of the ridge that will lead you to Mummy Mountain to the right. From the ridge you will be able to look back and see the faint gravel parking lot and trailhead you started at behind you. In front of you on the other side of the ridge the Lee Canyon Ski Resort lies below. 

From the top of the slope you will turn right (E) to continue your journey to the peak of Mummy Mountain. There will be plenty of cairns to mark the way in case you can't find the trail. You will continue east up to the base of the cliffs that lie in front of you. As you approach the cliffs the trail will start to turn left (N) to go along the base of the cliffs at which point the trail will dead end into a chute. 

The chute is your way to the peak. It consists of loose rock and some scrambling so be sure to take your time and watch your step. The trekking poles will come in hand here if you brought them. 

Once you have reached the top of the chute you are nearly there. Continue straight ahead from the chute and within just a couple steps you will reach the top of Mummy Mountain 11,542' in elevation. To the right (S) you will find an ammo can on the high ground where you can sign your name. Nearby there is a shelter built out of old bristlecone pine trees that you can rest in. The views in all directions are breathtaking. To the east you can see I-95 and the Sheep Mountains, to the south you can see Las Vegas and Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, west will provide views of Mt. Charleston and the town of Pahrump, and finally to the North you will have views of the rest of the Spring Mountains. 

To leave simply retrace your steps all the way back to the Trail Canyon trailhead. Be careful descending the chute and the scree slope. Take your time and enjoy the views. The hike is absolutely worth it. 

Hike at your own risk and be sure to check the weather before setting out on your adventure.