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- Hayford Peak
9,912 ft · Sheep Range, Nevada
Hayford Peak
Hayford Peak is a 9,912 ft peak in the Sheep Range, Nevada. The standard route is the Hidden Forest Trail: 14 mi, 4,258 ft of gain, Class 2.

Hayford Peak at a glance
- Elevation9,912 ft3,021 m
- RouteHidden Forest TrailClass 2
- Distance14 mi4,258 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSheep RangeNevada
Climbing the Hidden Forest Trail
From Las Vegas, Nevada, take US-93 north to the Corn Creek area of the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, then follow rough Alamo Road and Hidden Forest Road; 4WD or high clearance is needed. The Hidden Forest Trail climbs an old road into a cool pine pocket before a longer push to Hayford Peak, the range highpoint. This is remote, dry country with loose rock, quick storms, and strong wind up high, and snow can linger near the top. Carry all your own water, since there is none reliable on route. Start early, bring navigation, and tell someone your plan given the isolation.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Light Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
Quests with Hayford Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Hayford Peak?
Hayford Peak is 9,912 feet (3,021 m) tall. It is in the Sheep Range, Nevada.
How hard is it to hike Hayford Peak?
The Hidden Forest Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 4,258 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Hayford Peak?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Hidden Forest Trail, covering 14 miles with 4,258 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Hayford Peak?
The Hidden Forest Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 14 miles with 4,258 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Hayford Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Hayford Peak?
The Hidden Forest Trail starts at about 5,860 feet, roughly 4,052 feet below the summit.
Climb Hayford Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list