Frenchman Mountain Canyon
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| | Difficulty:3A II (v3a1 II) Raps:5-7, max ↨80ft
Red Tape:No permit required Shuttle:Required Yes Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 15 Mar 2024
"important: there were about 100 bees nesting in the final "pothole" about 4 feet before the last rap. these were not there the week prior. they were t |
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| Best season: | Oct-May
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36.1841, -114.9989
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Introduction[edit]
This is a short, beginner friendly canyon practically in town in Las Vegas. Nothing about this canyon feels secluded or backcountry but if you're looking for stunning views of the valley you'd be hard pressed to find a better spot. It's for this reason that Frenchman is typically run at night, under the moonlight and twinkling lights of the city in the distance.
Parking[edit]
Leave the escape pod in a quiet neighborhood at 36°10'50.5"N 115°01'01.1"W. After dropping the shuttle make your way to and park at the Frenchman Trailhead.
Approach[edit]
We typically try to time the approach to coincide with sunset so you at least have beautiful views of the desert to the Northeast of the city while hiking the 1,200" elevation gain over 1.5 miles. Hike up the obvious old, dirt road towards the false summit of Frenchman. At the top of the first climb look over the cliff edge down canyon to check out some old cars that had a very bad day. Once you pass the aggressive switchbacks you'll be standing on top of the false summit and will be able to see the drainage down the hill and off to the right in the saddle. You have 2 options from here. Option A - Head up (out of your way) to the true summit for an unbeatable view of the city before heading back down to descend the canyon. Option B - Just make a beeline for the drainage and get straight to business.
Descent[edit]
Walk down the drainage a bit until you come to first rappel. Suit up at the top of the rap and take some cool photos with the city in the background as people head over the edge. -Rap 1 - 70' off 2 bolts DCL -Rap 2 - 45' off of single bolt low DCL -Rap 3 - 35' off of 2 bolts low DCL -Rap 4 - 15' nuisance rappel off of single bolt DCR (comfortable climbers can downclimb this) -Rap 5 - 30' off of a pinch point 15' back from the edge DCR -10' downclimb (some may be more comfortable rappelling off of a cairn) -Rap 6 - 20' off of 2 bolts DCL -Rap 7 - 80' off of 2 bolts DCR (there are at least 7 bolts at this station, weird)
Exit[edit]
After the last rappel you can pack up your gear and start the exit hike out. There's a lot of debris and leftover camping garbage here, watch your step. Head down canyon and you'll eventually meet up with some mountain bike trails. It's hard to go the wrong way but head to the right and you'll be down in the wash for the walk out. If you head slightly up and to the left for the shorter route (preferred) you'll come to a mini lookout with a sweeping vista view of the city and her lights. This is another great photo opportunity with your team!
Red tape[edit]
There have been reports of break-ins at the trailhead but we haven't run into any issues. Just keep valuables at home or at least out of sight. We've heard gunshots in the mountains and have found spent rounds in the canyon. I've never felt any danger but it's worth noting.
Beta sites[edit]
- https://www.stavislost.com/hikes/trail/frenchman-mountain-canyon : Stav is Lost
- Las Vegas Slots Facebook Beta
Las Vegas Slots Book by Rick Ianiello : Frenchman Mountain Canyon
HikeArizona.com : Frenchman Canyon
