Mount Davidson 2397m, P824m, from Ophir Hill - photo Bob Sumner

Is the state of Nevada in the USA really an international peakbagger's destination?  Although as a Nevada author I am certainly biased, I will wholeheartedly say YES.  In the next few minutes I will explain why.  Let's start with some of the basics.

Ease of Access. There is an array of direct flights into Las Vegas, the largest city in Nevada.  At the time of writing, these include origination from five points in Canada, five in Mexico, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Panama City, and Seoul.  When one adds in connecting flights, the options multiply greatly.  One can also arrive or depart via Reno, Nevada utilizing connecting flights.

Ground Transportation. There is no shortage of car rental companies in Las Vegas and Reno.  All of the usual companies are available including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, National, and Thrifty.  Most of these rent Sport Utility Vehicles with four wheel drive, which will be needed to safely navigate some of Nevada's remote dirt roads.  Be sure to reserve these vehicles well in advance, as there is limited availability at certain times.

Accommodation and Food. Whether you are staying in a metropolis like Las Vegas or a blip on the map like Eureka, there is no shortage of hotels, motels, markets, and restaurants.  Car and tent camping are quite normal throughout the rural areas of Nevada, provided you avoid private property, which is usually posted.

So then if the logistics are straightforward, why visit Nevada for peak-bagging?

Let's start with my favorite reason - Nevada's County High Points. (see my book - Hiking Nevada's County High Points at https://www.spotteddogpress.com/shop/hiking-nevadas-county-high-points, also available via Amazon).  You can see the list on Peakbagger here.

There are seventeen county high points in Nevada, which includes the state capital, Carson City.  This makes the state one of the easiest of the United States to conquer for county highpointing.  With good summer/fall weather and proper planning, these can all be accomplished in the same trip.  Indeed, for some of the easier COHPs, two can be bagged per day.

Let's examine each of these individually, and explore some of the added benefits of each high point.

Snow Valley Peak (Carson City)

Elevation: 9214ft, 2808m

Prominence: 1254ft, 382m

This mountain boasts one of the most superb views of Lake Tahoe, and the proximity to the lake warrants a visit.  Relatively easy to hike via the Tahoe Rim Trail, this is one of several county high points in the vicinity of Reno that can be combined with others on the same day.

Desatoya Peak (Churchill County)

Elevation: 9973ft, 3040m

Prominence: 3545ft, 1081m

This is a double-topped peak whose nickname is the Desatoya Twins.  Located in the “Nevada Outback”, you'll likely have this one to yourself.  Across the valley, nearby Mount Augusta (9966ft, 3038m) beckons as a bonus peak with prominence of 4366ft/1331m.

Charleston Peak (Clark County)

Elevation: 11,916ft, 3632m

Prominence: 8241ft, 2512m

Charleston is the most prominent peak in Nevada, and the 8th most prominent in the 48 contiguous United States.  Conveniently located just west of Las Vegas, the amenities of this destination city may just outweigh the splendorous desert views from the summit of this ultra.

East Peak (Douglas County)

Elevation: 9591ft, 2923m

Prominence: 311ft, 94m

Although this mountain does have a hiking option, in the summer many will ride the Heavenly ski resort's gondola and chairlift to within a half mile of the top. Overlooking Lake Tahoe, East Peak pairs well with Snow Valley Peak (see above), Mount Davidson (see below) or Mount Rose (see below).

Ruby Dome 3471m, P1461m, from Ruby Pyramid - photo Bob Sumner

Ruby Dome (Elko County)

Elevation: 11,387ft, 3471m

Prominence: 4793ft, 1461m

Ruby Dome gets a hefty dose of annual snow, and may require ice ax and crampons even in summer.  Some folks opt for a backpack and overnight stay at Griswold Lake.  The beginning of the standard route crosses private property, but permission to camp there can be easily obtained.

Boundary Peak (Esmeralda County)

Elevation: 13,140ft, 4005m

Prominence: 253ft, 77m

It's a fate of geography that the highest peak in Nevada has so little prominence.  Though overshadowed by nearby Montgomery Peak 13441ft/4097m, P1241ft/378m in California, Boundary is frequently ascended since it is a state high point and a thirteener.  Boundary Peak's proximity to California's Sierra Nevada and Mount Whitney allow it to be combined with many other desirable mountains.

Diamond Peak (Eureka County)

Elevation: 10,614ft, 3235m

Prominence: 3594ft, 1095m

This peak is located near Eureka, a small town rich in mining history, dating back to the 1800's.  The maximum driving approach here requires a solid four wheel drive.  You'll arrive via US Highway 50, known as “the loneliest road in America”.

Granite Peak (Humboldt County)

Elevation: 9732ft, 2966m

Prominence: 4397ft, 1340m

The northernmost of Nevada's county high points, Granite offers hundred-mile views reaching into Oregon and Idaho.  This one pairs well with Star Peak (see below), and is approached via the “living ghost town” of Paradise Valley.

Bunker Hill (Lander County)

Elevation: 11,473ft, 3497m

Prominence: 2793ft, 851m

The most central of the COHPs, this one matches up well with nearby Mount Jefferson (see below).  There is no shortage of recreation in this area, including mountain biking, trout fishing, ATV riding, and hiking the Toiyabe Crest Trail.

Mount Grafton-South Ridge (Lincoln County)

Elevation: 10,640ft, 3243m

Prominence: 0ft, 0m

One of two “liner” county high points in Nevada, the good news is very few people stop here. Most hike another two+ miles to the summit of Mount Grafton 10,990 ft/3350m, which sports a prominence of 3257ft/993m.  Watch for elk during this adventure.

Middle Sister-Northeast Ridge (Lyon County)

Elevation: 10,560ft, 3219m

Prominence: 0ft, 0m

The other “liner” COHP, hikers will happily walk the short distance uphill to the main summit (10,854ft/3308m) with a prominence of 854ft/260m.  The close proximity to the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite National Park beckons hikers to visit these locales for bonus peaks.

Mount Grant (Mineral County)

Elevation: 11,280ft, 3438m

Prominence: 3920ft, 1195m

This is the only county high point on military land, that of the Hawthorne Army Depot.  Access can be arranged in advance, or by attending the yearly access event in September.  Be sure to mention that you are an international traveler, and have your passport with you at all times.

Mount Jefferson (Nye County)

Elevation: 11,941ft, 3640m

Prominence: 5861ft, 1787m

The 3rd most prominent in Nevada, this is another centrally located ultra that provides immense views.  The approach is through another “living ghost town”, Belmont, and four wheel drive is required to get to the maximum trailhead.

Star Peak (Pershing County)

Elevation: 9836ft, 2998m

Prominence: 5400ft, 1646m

Star Peak overlooks the Rye Patch Reservoir and Humboldt River, the route of the California Trail that was utilized during the Gold Rush of 1849. This fine ultra is easily accessed via Interstate 80.

Mount Davidson (Storey County)

Elevation: 7864ft, 2397m

Prominence: 2704ft, 824m

The lowest of Nevada's county high points, Davidson nonetheless proffers gratifying views of the Sierra Nevada, including East Peak, Snow Valley Peak, and Mount Rose.  Since you start the hike in town, you'll later enjoy a rare opportunity...an abundance of bars and restaurants at the trailhead.

Mount Rose (Washoe County)

Elevation: 10,776ft, 3285m

Prominence: 3630ft, 1107m

As with Snow Valley Peak, here you'll sample another portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail.  The proximity to Reno and Lake Tahoe lends itself to accommodation and dining in either location.  On clear days you can see all the way to Lassen Peak 10467ft/3187m, P5220ft/1594m, a California ultra at the southern end of the Cascade Range.

Wheeler Peak 3982m, P2306m, fromTrail Meadows - photo Bob Sumner

Wheeler Peak (White Pine County)

Elevation: 13,063ft, 3982m

Prominence: 7563ft, 2306m

This ultra is the second highest and second most prominent mountain in Nevada, and is the crown jewel of Great Basin National Park.  It is one of two Thirteeners in the state.  Views in the distance include Ibapah Peak 12087ft/3684m, P5247ft/1599m, an ultra in Utah.

But is that all there is to Nevada?  No, there is much more, and we have already touched on it:  Ultras!

In addition to the four mentioned above, Nevada has four more, as listed below:

North Schell 3622m, P1647m , from Middle Schell Ridge - photo Bob Sumner

North Schell Peak

Elevation: 11,883ft, 3622m

Prominence: 5403ft, 1647m

North Schell is located near the town of Ely (pronounced “E-Lee”), which works nicely as a “base camp”. This one goes well with Wheeler Peak in nearby Great Basin National Park. Another hike where elk may be spotted.

Arc Dome

Elevation: 11,773ft, 3588m

Prominence: 5213ft, 1589m

The Toiyabe Crest Trail circles this mighty mountain at the south end of the Toiyabe Range.  This one pairs well with Bunker Hill, and offers trailhead camping at the aspen-shaded Columbine Campground.

Pilot Peak - Early Morning-zoom - photo Bob Sumner

Pilot Peak

Elevation: 10,716ft, 3266m

Prominence: 5726ft, 1745m

This fine beast is the fourth most prominent peak in Nevada and overlooks the Great Salt Lake Desert in Utah.  Also located nearby and worth a visit is the Bonneville Salt Flats, home to many land speed records.

Hayford Peak

Elevation: 9912ft, 3021m

Prominence: 5392ft, 1643m

The standard approach for Hayford requires a long rough drive through the Desert National Wildlife Refuge, with a hard hike to reach the top.  The good news is the proximity to Las Vegas, and the ease of pairing this one with Charleston Peak.

To summarize, there are seventeen county high points in Nevada, and eight ultras.  The ultras are: Charleston Peak, Wheeler Peak, Mount Jefferson, Pilot Peak, North Schell Peak, Star Peak, Hayford Peak, and Arc Dome.

For those seeking the highest Nevada peaks, instead of the most prominent, examine the “Nevada 11,000-foot Peaks List” on Peakbagger here.  Many of these can be combined with the aforementioned peaks, and can add to a grand adventure.

Bob Sumner