Though certainly not the highest mountains of southern Nevada, the Mormon Mountains are an interesting diversion northeast of Las Vegas for I-15 drivers headed to or from southern Utah. Most observers will be drawn to the highly distinctive conical profile of Moapa Peak at the range's southern end, closest to the highway. However, for range highpointers, the less-than-impressive Mormon Peak is your goal. And for those checking off the "prominence" list, Mormon Peak offers a highly-respectable 4,034 feet of it. This is enough to come in at number 24 on the Nevada Prominence List. Though entirely do-able in the summer, it is quite warm, even at this not-so-low elevation, so get a pre-sunrise start if hiking during the warm months. Snow is very possible in the winter.

NOTE: This page was originally written by DesertRat.

Getting There

From exit 90 on I-15 in Nevada, drive west on NV 168 about 2.7 miles to Meadow Valley Road on the north side of the highway. Zero your odometer, turn north here, and drive about 8.3 miles to the end of pavement, passing some business. At mile 10.6, cross under the railroad from east to west, avoiding the "no trespassing" sign straight ahead. This is the mainline of the UPRR you're following between LA and Salt Lake. At mile 14.1, go thru a hopefully-open gate. On our first attempt here, this gate was locked and posted, but was open in 2008. At mile 14.5, cross under the tracks again from west to east, possibly encountering some shallow water. At mile 14.7, cross the Meadow Valley creek. Put on your sandles and walk it first and decide if you are comfortable driving it. Our Nissan Xterra rental 4WD had no problem with the 1.5 feet or so of water in early June. At mile 15.3, turn right at a fork. At about mile 19.8, turn right from the main road and head up a track in a wash toward the mountains. This track will leave the wash fairly soon and head up a low bench. Drive as far as you're comfortable, but you should be able to go at least six miles on this last section of road from that last right turn into the wash. You'll probably be able to make seven miles and park somewhere near one of the "prospect"s shown on the topo map. Park in a safe spot. It may take you 1.5 to 2 hours from the interstate to your parking spot. High-clearance vehicles are needed after the first RR crossing.

Red Tape

As most of Nevada is, this is classic BLM land and no special permits are needed. As mentioned in "Getting There", you may encounter a locked gate between the two RR crossings, but I think that is not probable. Do not trespass on the UPRR property. As always, carry out all your trash, do not damage the land, and, if you have time, carry out others' trash, too.

Camping

Typical primitive carcamping at the "trailhead". No nearby official campgrounds. The little town of Glendale at the interstate has very few services other than a simple gas station near the exit. Some stores seemed permanantly closed at the time we drove thru town.

Weather

External Links

Sierra Club Trip Report from 1976

Mormon Mountains Wilderness

Another Sierra Club Trip Report

A Trip Report from 2003.

Adam's trip report in 2008.