Climbing Near Moapa Valley, Nevada

Arrow Canyon is a two hundred foot deep box canyon located 45 minutes northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada. The canyon is home to various species of desert wildlife, petroglyphs, and horrendous flash floods. The BLM maintains the land which means you as a public citizen own it too. Take care when visiting the canyon to ensure future visits for years to come. Also keep in mind that Arrow Canyon is a designated Wilderness Area. That, in particular, means no bolting and no motor vehicles. Further reading: BLM Arrow Canyon Wilderness page This is Mr. Brady's and the BLM's prefered access to Arrow Canyon. From Exit 90 on I-15 North, drive exactly 11 miles west on 168. You will pass three roads along the way (on the left) called Warm Springs. At 11 miles (.2 miles past the last Warm Springs road) you will turn left onto dirt road with a sign saying The Brady's. This left turn is right as 168 starts to curve right. Drive .5 miles past The Brady's house to a rectangular fenced area with a building in it. Just in front of the fenced area a rough dirt road skirts the right side of the fenced area. Follow this rough dirt road 1 mile to wilderness fence and park. Walk 20-30 minutes into Arrow canyon. The road is rough but we made it in with a subaru outback wagon (the beginning was the tricky spot). Good to have a 4x4 or high clearance.

 Moapa, meaning "muddy waters" is a desert peak composed of limestone and layers of brown sedimentary rock. The name originates from the branch of Paiute who originally inhabited this area.This peak lies in along the I-15 Corridor between the major cities of Las Vegas and Saint George. On the southern edge of the Mormon Mountains, this obvious peak of the southern Nevada desert stands out beautifully. Most obvious is its headwall, a 200+ foot south-facing limestone cliff. Upon hiking the peak, a stellar knife-edge is discovered on the summit ridge. Most take a 3rd class route to reach the summit, which traverses said knife-edge. The quality of the rock on the actual headwall is unknown, and there is no significant information to suggest than technical rock-climbing routes have been set on the main face, however, there very well may be. Despite the apparent desolate and drab appearance of the area at first glance, the ecology of the area is diverse. Wildlife includes snakes, lizards, tortoises, bobcats, tortoises, and several bird species. Plant-life includes Joshua trees and Yuccas, species of cacti such as barrel cacti, prickly pear, and claret cup, as well as several species of flower such as mariposa, larkspur, phacelia, and desert marigolds. The desert heat in the summer months is brutal during the day, this peak is best climbed in winter, or early spring/late fall. Go very early if making an ascent in summer. Heading south, Follow I-15 N to Exit 100 at Carp Elgin Rd. Take the exit and turn right onto the paved road just north of the Interstate. Follow this road about 100 yards before turning left at an obvious dirt road heading north in the direction of Moapa Peak. The road branches many times but stay on the obvious main road, heading toward the base of the peak. 2-wheel drive vehicles are sufficient so long as you are careful. The trailhead is at the end of the road, at a loop with a sign with information about the Mormon Mountain Wilderness. Coords: 36.834364, -114.441726

The first routes on the right when you enter the canyon. Arrow Canyon