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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 in the Sheep Range, Nevada

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