McFarland Peak Summit | Mt Charleston Wilderness, Nevada
McFarland Peak Summit | Mt Charleston Wilderness, Nevada | Visit https://lasvegasareatrails.com/mcfarl... | This route begins at The Old Mill Trailhead. Take the Sisters South Trail to the first high point with a ridgeline ascending to the Bonanza Trail’s ridge. Take that ridge to the Bonanza Trail, then turn right (NW) toward McFarland Peak. At the far edge of McFarland Peak take a right into that peak’s summit approach gully. Ascend the steep gully to the summit saddle, the take a right along that fairly level saddle to the summit! Specular, pristine views nearly the entire way! There is a fairly well-defined trail up the entire summit gully. One brief class 3 somewhat exposed rock climb about mid-way up the gully will offer some challenge. Above that class 3 stretch continue up the gully as the angle of incline increases on this loose rock surface. No exposure, but boy is it steep! Be careful on the summit saddle to turn around and make note of the return route. It’s easy to get lost on the saddle on the return trip.
Major Features Along This Route
This route is the shortest, most direct route to McFarland Peak. It also involves the least rolling altitude elevation gain and loss along the way. The ascent from the Old Mill Trailhead to the Bonanza Trail is nearly totally uphill without any downhill along the way. Added to this is the welcome surprise of how short, direct and well trailed that connector ridge was between the Sisters South trail and the Bonanza Trail.
Another feature of this largely unknown route is the pristine, untouched nature of the wilderness. The multitude of greens in the vegetation, brilliant blues of the sky and sparkling grays of the limestone formations create a beautiful, sharp contrast words cannot fully describe.
A third feature is the spectacular stretch of limestone pillars on the Bonanza Trail along the base of McFarland Peak. I took time in the video to document these in the changing light early in the day vs. later in the day.
Locating Important Unmarked Transition Points
An important key to the success of this adventure is the ability to locate the important unmarked transition points along the way. Virtually every transition point is unmarked!
The first is the rock-lined trail at the upper end of the Old Mill Picnic Area (turn right).
Second in the Sisters South trail split about a 4th mile further (watch carefully and turn right).
Third is the connector ridge and trail between the Sisters South Trail and the Bonanza Trail. As you’re approaching the distinctive high point after that huge ascent above the lower gully wash, watch for a ridge heading to the left toward the Bonanza Trail ridge on the horizon to your left. When you reach the high point (it’s natural to want to rest, sitting on a log on the upper saddle) take a sharp left up an unmarked trail on the ridge to the left.
The fourth unmarked transition is easy: Turn right when you reach the Bonanza Trail. But note: On the return trip you could miss this turn off the Bonanza Trail down the connector ridge toward the Sisters South trail. Take time to note the cairns on either side of the Bonanza Trail marking this connection.
Fifth is the McFarland Peak summit approach gully. Turn right where the Bonanza Trail reaches the NW edge of McFarland Peak’s base, just before the trail begins to take a switchback plunge away from McFarland Peak. On the return trip as you descend out of the gully, be sure to NOT continue downward on the Bonanza Trail!
Sixth is all the meanderings along the summit approach gully. There is a faint trail, at times more clearly defined. About half-way up the gully there is a brief class 3 rock climb stretch with an exposed ledge I nick-named “Satan’s Ledge”. For the most part, ascent up the gully is mostly near the base of the cliffs to your left.
Seventh, take a right when you reach the summit saddle, and generally keep near the right edge of that saddle on the way to the summit. A faint trail will appear and disappear as you approach the summit. Look around and notice the route you took on the summit saddle and be sure to keep to your left as you return to the summit approach gully. If you stray to the right on your return trip along the summit saddle you’ll miss the summit approach gully and head down the wrong side of the mountain!
Eighth, take a left out of the summit gully and back to the Bonanza Trail. Watch carefully for this connection. It’s easy to miss! If you miss it, your first indication will be when that gully crosses the Bonanza Trail far far below, requiring a ton of corrective back climbing!
Enjoy the spectacular, memorable adventure of summiting the challenge of McFarland Peak and celebrate your achievement!