Overview
Near base of ridge This is a new route discovered by Richard N in 2013 which follows the SE ridge most of the way to the summit of this often climbed peak. It features some nice climbing before joining the regular route at about 6,067’ for the final 350’ to the summit.
Google route trace This is a nice ½ day climb which should require about 2 hours or so in each direction while gaining about 2,750’ of elevation. The roundtrip distance is about 5 miles.
Getting There
From Charleston Blvd and the 215 Beltway in the western part of Las Vegas, take Charleston Blvd. (Highway 159) west for about 5 miles to the entrance to Red Rock Canyon NCA. Do not enter here…continue on Hwy 159 past the exit from Red Rock loop and go about 4 miles to the formal trailhead for First Creek on the right side of the road.
Route Description
As you start hiking west across the desert from the First Creek trailhead, follow the well defined trail to the point where it makes a 90 degree turn to the left (south) and when it bends back toward the canyon, head across the desert toward the east face of Indecision Peak. You gain elevation on an ascending traverse from the north to the south side of the lower portion of the east face.
arch location viewed from trailhead
There are various ways to ascend the initial portion of the climb including the rock strewn gully described in the original
east face gully route description. If you prefer a more enjoyable route, look for cairns marking a variation that lies north of the gully route and climbs along a sub ridge as indicated on my Google maps route trace.
arch This variation will take you close to a fine arch (N 36 04.343 w 115 28.246) as shown in my attached photos. To visit the arch one must swing a bit off route toward the north and then return south to resume the climb.
exciting section
The SE ridge is gained a little north of the smooth faced rock used as a guidepost in the original route description.
landmark tree & boulder near start By following the SE ridge, about a mile of hiking is eliminated due to the more direct line followed to the summit.
routes merge
Camping
View south near arch There is a campground located south of SR159 two miles east of the entrance to RRCNCA. There is no developed campground within Red Rock NCA, although backcountry camping with a permit is allowed.
Red Tape
National Park entrance fees apply in Red Rock National Conservation area. Hours of operations vary by season. See
Red Rock NCA Home Page There are no fees collected at this trailhead since it is located beside highway 159 and does not require formal entrance into the NCA.
When best to climb
Spring and Fall are the peak seasons as it becomes extremely hot in the summer. Winter can be an excellent time as well unless snow and ice accumulate from winter storms making the scrambling too hazardous. This is most likely to occur in January and February.