Cheyenne Triple - 11/19/20

View to Summerlin Peak from Cheyenne Peak

Cheyenne Peak (L) and Star Carlton Bluff (R) from Reverence Point Summit

Sun Rising on Secondary Cheyenne Peak

Leaving Gilmore Park

Cheyenne Peak is located across the CC-215 beltway from Lone Mountain in the northwest of Las Vegas. There are three parks found at the base of Cheyenne Peak and ridge. They all can be accessed from Cliff Shadows Parkway. The first park, Buckskin Park, caters to equestrian activities along with hikers and bikers. It is recognized by the white "ranch" fence surrounding it. The second park is the newest called Trigono Park. This park is very nice with exercise equipment and a "nature walk." The third park is located at the western terminus of Alexander Drive. It is called Gilmore Park. This last park is the smallest and it is, also, where we begin our climb to Cheyenne Peak. We prepared for our hike watching several walkers and joggers milling around before or after their Base Loop excursion.

View of Lone Mountain from beginning of Cheyenne Peak Ascent

Climbing the Limestone Slabs

Lone Mountain and Desert NWR from Saddle

Meeting up with Laszlo

Viewing the high ridge in front of us, it appears that the peak to the right is higher than the one in front of us. Au contraire! The peak to the right is the secondary peak! We followed Mike down the cement path to connect with the Base Loop Trail. A right turn on the trail brought us to several choices for an ascent climb. We chose a route that was around 150 yards from our right turn onto the trail. This put us on an easyish climb up sticky limestone slabs. There is a vague trail to follow but just climbing the slabs upward to the saddle above works. At the saddle, there is a great view of the city if it isn't enveloped in residual California smoke like it was today. The route turns up the ridge and follows a fairly clear trail to the flag and then the peak. 

Star Carlton Bluff & Reverence Point from Cheyenne Peak Climb

Six with Sticks plus Laszlo at Cheyenne Peak Flag

Starting down along the Ridge

Small Favorites

When we reached the flag, we recognized the hiker that was just ahead of us. It was Laszlo!! We spoke (keeping our social distancing) and he joined our group photo. Next, we climbed on up to the peak, took a couple of photos and continued down the ridge on the other side. This ridge is bordered by cliffs on the left and a long steep slope on the right. There is a rocky trail to follow, if you wish. To our left, we had a great view of Summerlin Peak. To our right, we saw Lone Mountain and out to the Desert National Wildlife Refuge. The ridge descended then flattened out. Next, we faced the first of the two rocky tors that led up to the Secondary Peak. Both of these provided exciting climbs up walls and/or up rocky knife edges.

Hiking along Cliff Ridge to Secondary Peak

First of two tor Climbs

Climbing Fun!

A Break at the Cave

A little further and we came to another smaller "wall." Here, we followed the trail to the left and began our descent. This trail passes by a large cave that is somewhat furnished with a chair and a wind chime. We stopped here for our break and a photo. From there, the route chooses the trail that starts down the hill to the left via a couple of switchbacks to the Base Loop Trail that encircles the ridge. On this backside of the ridge, the base trail is about half way up the hillside. Our pace increased in speed as we followed it around to the southern end of the ridge. The trail is in good shape. We passed a handful of hikers, joggers and dog walkers on this section of the hike.

Hiking the back side of the Cheyenne Base Loop

Rounding the South End of Cheyenne Peak (Reverence Point in Background)

Star Carlton Bluff (L) and Reverence Point (R)

Jesse's Cave in Reverence Point

As we rounded the bend, (see what I did there?), we dropped down to the wash on our right and passed the cave (Jesse's Cave) in the small hill across the wash. This small hill is Reverence Point, named after the park on the other side of the hill. A beautiful white dog barked at us from his yard as we began the short climb. Although this hill seems a bit insignificant, there are a couple of very nice views from the top. The short drop down the other side led to a land bridge above Reverence Park. The trail up the next, larger hill is very clear. We started up using the slab next to the trail as much as possible. This climb was longer and more strenuous. There is another flag on this small peak which is visible from the freeway below.

View from Reverence Point below Summit

Jerry and Cheryl on Bridge between two small Peaks (Summerlin Peak in Background)

Starting up Star Carlton Bluff

Star Carlton Bluff Ascent

We continued hiking toward the northeast on our steep descent down to the wash below. As we hiked, Mike and Ralyn picked up trash from the adjacent hillside. Picking up trash has become a side occupation of ours. There is certainly a lot to pick up! At the bottom of the hill, we turned to our left and made our way over to the Buckskin Park, hiked through then connected with the Base Loop Trail again. This side of Cheyenne Peak is not so beautiful. The trail runs alongside office buildings and roads. But, the trail is still in good shape and provides a good way to go between parks. When the trail arrived above Trigono Park, we exited down a slab and entered the park on a picturesque walking bridge.

Star Carlton Bluff Peak Flag - Las Vegas Strip in Background

Steep Descent off Star Carlton Bluff

Hiking through Buckskin Park to connect with Base Loop Trail

Cheyenne Peak Base Loop

In Trigono Park, there is a short nature trail that has desert plants with signs telling what they are. It's wonderful except for the fact that they are in desperate need of a dousing of water. I think several of the plants are not going to make it. After the nature walk, there are a few exercise/ fitness stations. Jerry and Cheryl demonstrate one of them in a photo below! From there, it is only a walk up the hill to Gilmore Park. This was a really good new hike and workout for us. And, we always have a lot of fun!

Stats: 5.1 miles; 1550' gain; 4 hours

Cheyenne Peak Base Loop

Hiking into Trigono Park

Jerry and Cheryl practicing their Climbing Skills