Luxor-Uriah (NV, neary Muddy) on a VERY windy day

Luxor-Uriah (NV, neary Muddy Peak) on a VERY windy day

Pics by Harlan W S
Jan 29, 2023

With twin Peaks at 5069' (1545m), these summits tie for the 4th highest peak in the muddy Mountains of Nevada. Crystal D coined the name Luxor (I guess from Vegas Casino influence), and Paula R chose Uriah after a child who died too early. The first ascent I know, was by Tracy F.

Originally I thought 2018 would be the year I'd hit all the Muddy Peaks above 5000'. Ah, cruel fate! So this was on the unfinished business list. The pervious weekend saw pretty fierce weather for a nearby 3-peaker;
alas, this day (though a few degrees warmer) actually has worse wind gusts that knocked me off my feet. Total was about 11.3 miles with 4300 accummulated gain. Much of the gain came from dropping in and out of washes along the way. I parked at the wilderness boundary (no sign). 4x4 (and at least 7" clearance) recommended.

The latter part of the hike. Starting point is the same for S route to Muddy Peak.	Context.	From W, the canyons on W side of Luxor look steep; but from SW one sees they are steep alternates.
More view of the alternate canyons.	The ridge up had good footing, and was class 1-2.	View ~S from Luxor summit
I cut off names at top by mistake.	View NW to Muddy Peak.	View SE back to Luxor, as I cross to Uriah
Booth Pinnacle and Pyramid to Left of Luxor	View ~E	Snow-capped Virgin Mt in distance
Ridge between two peaks is mellow, with sharp ridges to clamber over and around.	At this point the wind gusts were knocking me over...	...so I headed ~S down a canyon ~parallel to my ascent ridge. There were many slick dryfalls, but all could be avoided with class 3 routes at worst.
View back UP the descent canyon	At this point the dryfalls lessened, and soon I cut back to the ridge at R.	Why don't he write?
View !N up Lovell Canyon	The boulder on way up ridge to peak 5254	Gale Hills on way back to car.