to any climber. Within 10 minutes of base camp, Canyon #2 looms from the north, with an aspen grove at its juncture. We chose the next canyon, #3, as our ascent to Arc Dome, still not being able to see our goal. Scouts out the evening before verified its location by climbing a high ridge to the south of base camp. Before leaving on the steep Canyon #3 ascent, canteens were filled as this is the last water. Two quarts are recommended. Soon this very narrow #3 bears to the west and a climb through mountain mahogany stand brings one to an unwatered aspen grove, which apparently must have long-lying snowfalls for its moisture. Five minutes through this grove and we could see out to our mountain from the near side of Canyon #4. From here we had to lose some elevation to begin our ever-gaining ascent on the east slope of Arc Dome. It must be about a 1500 foot gain from the bottom of Canyon #4 to the summit. We all arrived by noon this wonderful summer day and enjoyed lunch together in one of two waist-high shelters atop this 11,788 foot spire. The real name appears to be Toiyabe Dome, and some of the climbers seemed intent on having our name for it changed. The view from the top is worth all the effort expended in getting there, and immediately to the west is the vast Reese River drainage area, running to the north past Austin and dumping into the Humboldt River near Battle Mountain. We feel there may have been a heliograph station here long ago, since mortared brick (wow, like the steel balls!) provided a sturdy foundation for something. Maybe it was a companion to Wheeler Peak, which we know sustained such an installation. The descent was made in two parties. Six people chose to take an easterly route down Canyon #2, while four of us took the southerly shoulder of Arc Dome which leads directly to the saddle of the South Twin River and Reese River drainages. It alos parallels the west side of Canyon #4. From the saddle, a well-defined trail leads down to Canyon #3 and is no doubt an old trans-Toiyabe cattle drive route. Our party beat the other group back to base camp by 15 minutes, meaning our route was most likely the shorter or easier. We all reached the parked cars before dark, even after taking a 30 minute break at base camp. In summary, this writer would suggest that the best route to Arc Dome is directly up Canyon #4. If one stays in South Twin River canyon, Arc Dome is first sighted up Canyon #4 and cannot be mistaken as it is the dominant peak. A walk of one half to one mile up #4 (which has water a portion of the way) brings one to the point where we began our chute ascent to the summit after attacking Canyon #3. It should be stated that there are two ways to begin the hike from the cars. The shorter is the first ridge gain from the car, previously mentioned. The alternate one begins by following the stream near the cars and is perhaps half a mile longer. I prefer the ridge route upstream and the water level route out. A number of tired but happy climbers chose to eat at Carver's Cafe. I heartily recommend it as one of the volume deal eating places in the west. Still others planned to stay an extra day to climb Mt. Jefferson in the nearby vicinity. Admittedly Arc Dome is a long drive, but I consider it one of my most adventuresome climbs in my 15 years of desert peaking. Leaders Bill Clifton and Jon Inskeep helped make it so. This region, in Toiyabe National Forest, is one of the yet unspoiled places with primitive surroundings. A family could spend an enjoyable vacation within its confines without ever seeing other people. Fishing appeared to be fine. A rough map is presented as an incentive to climb Arc Dome, if you haven't already.

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