Spirit Mountain, Sacred mountain in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada
Spirit Mountain rises to about 5,600 feet with granite slopes and multiple hiking routes through the desert landscape near Laughlin. The peak sits within the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument and offers wide views across the surrounding desert region from the summit.
The mountain received federal protection in 2023 when President Biden established the Avi Kwa Ame National Monument. This decision recognized the historical and spiritual importance of this place for Native peoples and the broader public.
The mountain is called Avi Kwa Ame in the Mojave language and holds deep spiritual meaning for the Yuman-speaking peoples of the region. Visitors walking here encounter a landscape that remains central to creation stories still told by these communities today.
The hike begins at Christmas Tree Pass trailhead and follows a desert path with steady elevation gain to reach the summit. Visitors should start early, bring plenty of water, and prepare for intense sun and heat throughout the climb.
From the summit, visitors can see Lake Mohave, the Spring Mountains, and the Colorado River winding through the desert below. This wide view connects several major natural features of the region in a single sight.
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