PRO |
Virgin Peak (8078') has been climbed on two DPS exploratory trips (October 20, 1979 and March 15, 1981). This is the high point of the Virgin Mountains in southern Nevada, east of Glendale and south of Bunkerville. The climb of the peak is straightforward, class 1 to 2, and the distance and gain depend on the condition of the road leading toward it from the south and the capability of the vehicle used for access. The route is covered with pinyon pine and juniper trees, with some rocky areas. The peak lies at the northern end of a long ridge with fairly steep sides; the ridge drops off sharply north of the peak. The area is scenic and the views from the top are quite good - Lake Mead, the Virgin River, and mountains in all directions. Putting the peak on the list will lead DPS'ers to anew area. Since the peak makes a good companion to Moapa Peak, already on the list, in that a weekend trip can consist of climbs of both peaks, not much extra was is required to reach Virgin. The climb is comparable to those of peaks with similar elevation - Last Chance, Grapevine, Stirling, Potosi, - and is certainly superior to climbs of several peaks already on the list - Pleasant, Nelson, Old Dad, East Ord, Orocopia, Big Maria, Black Butte, and Jacumba. |
CON |
Virgin Pk, which is the high point of a long ridge, is class 1 all the way from the roadhead. It has a good distant view of Lake Mead but as a walk, it is most pedestrian. I would rate it in the bottom quarter of our list and on a par with Last Chance, Turtle and Stirling. Can't we do better than that when adding to the list? As far as "making a good companion for Moapa", it can continue to do that without being added to the Peaks List. Furthermore, the road to N and S Guardian Angel passes by Moapa and it could make a good antipasto or dessert to these Zion peaks. In fairness, I should say that Dick Akawie and I led the March 1981 exploratory and upon asking, I found a heavy majority of the climbers in favor of adding Virgin to the List. |
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