06/27/2025
Adventure Awaits | Conquering Spirit Mountain
Barbara Weber, Owner Make It Your Tour Custom Guided Tours Jun 17, 2025
Looking out from my backyard, Spirit Mountain rises majestically, the highest peak in the Newberry Mountains of Laughlin, Nev. This mountain stands not just as a geographical landmark but as a sacred site within the Kwa Ame National Monument, encompassing 506,814 acres.
Since moving to this region, I have been eager to conquer its summit, despite the mixed responses I received from locals — some seemed unaware of this hike, while others warned of the trail's difficulty. Despite the challenges, my determination to reach the summit intensified, particularly after learning of its cultural significance to the area's Indigenous people, who view it as a spiritual birthplace.
After six years and two unsuccessful attempts to find a companion for this hike, I finally met someone who shared my fervor for adventure: Chris, tour guide for Make It Your Tour. Our shared spirit of enthusiasm would soon be tested on this demanding hike, which we deemed a preparatory venture for an upcoming trip to Havasupai Falls. Armed with downloaded maps and insights from All Trails, we set our sights on the 4-mile round trip that would necessitate a staggering 2,260 feet ascent in 2-miles to reach the summit at 5,639 feet. For comparison, Bullhead City is at 500 feet above sea level.
As we navigated the mountain's terrain, surrounded by piñon pines and other resilient flora, our resolve was periodically challenged. The hike, characterized by moments of physical exertion where I found myself clawing upward like a mountain goat, was punctuated by brief encounters with one other hiker, a young man whose astonishment at our solo endeavor led to a brief camaraderie.
Reaching the summit was exhilarating, transforming the fatigue of our ascent into a triumphant moment of profound connection with nature. The panoramic views from the peak, coupled with the crisp mountain air and the tranquility of the surroundings, underscored the sacredness of this space.
Our descent proved far more treacherous as we lost our way, leading to an unexpected hour of scrambling, sliding down boulders and navigating through thickets. Ultimately, after nearly eight hours of strenuous hiking, we returned to our vehicle with the fulfillment of having summited Spirit Mountain — signifying not just physical achievement but a deeper acknowledgment of why the mountain is so sacred and what our bodies can achieve. Our total hike was 3.9 miles and took us 7 hours and 50 minutes with some well-earned battle scars.
For those contemplating this hike, preparation is a must; embrace both the beauty and challenges that await on this magnificent journey, download the map and look for those cairns. Do not attempt this hike during the summer months.
I can now look at Spirit Mountain and tell everyone, “I hiked that!”
Barb Weber is an outdoor adventurer and owner of Make It Your Tour, offering guided custom tours for off-roading, fishing, boating, hiking and kayaking of our picturesque landscapes in Bullhead City and surrounding areas. Visit makeityourtour.com for more information.
