McFarland by Bonanza Trail

Trail starts in Lee Canyon at Ski area, west of Las Vegas, NV

Harlan W. Stockman
Sunday, Oct. 9, 2005

The group consisted of three "Las Vegas 51s" and Frank, who kept the group abstemious and facetious.

I marginally prefer the north route to McFarland, but this trip was very pretty and very pleasant, more scenic. The last stretch to the peak (after leaving the Bonanza Trail) is rough and full of loose talus, with a few class 3 sections.

Click each small image to see the larger image.

	At least 12 miles, 4350' net elevation gain. There is an unproductive gain and loss of 1000' each way on the Bonanza Trail.	West to McFarland.

Closer to the peak; the right summit is the higher.	Susan, Judy and Frank come up a steep stretch.	More steep stuff.

	NE toward Mack's Peak. It was 38-40F on top, with occasional strong wind, but I was appropriately dressed.	View east, with panorama of Mummy range (left) to Charleston (right).

Susan, guarding a recently broken arm, comes down a very steep stretch.	Scarlet Gilias (which are not real gilias).

Heading back east on Bonanza.	A triceratops browses on some bristlecone.	Frank drinks some vintage SmartWater.

Judy and Susan sniff a Ponderosa Pine for vanilla.	Bonus picture: very windy on top of the peak. (non-clickable)

Three of us were 33 (in hexadecimal).