This summit is the highest point of the Humboldt range, paralleling I-80 several miles north of Lovelock.
Best climbed in late fall, or whenever the temperatures are tolerable, this peak rises some 5,000 feet above the trailhead from the east, which is a dirt road leading into the range from State route 50, just north of Unionville. A water tank lies somewhat to the north of this road. The trailhead ends at or just below a grove of aspens(?) and several ridges lead to the summit. The ridge I took had a small rock arch at about 7,500-8,000'.
As I climbed the peak on December 31, the possibility of making a snow climb is definitely feasible. If one wishes to carry skis l,000-1,500', this may sidestep the annoying postholing that I endured at the lower snow levels. A rather nice hot springs lies accessible just to the south and it is marked by a highway sign as Kyle Hot Springs. A dirt road leads about 7-10 mi. east of the paved highway to a cluster of buildings, one of which is the bathhouse.
There is no water aside from any snow, on the peak.
Mt. Grant 11,245
To be on the safe side, permission should be secured before climbing this peak, as it lies on military reservation. However, we took our chances with the unexploded shells and land mines and climbed the peak from the gate at 4900' on the Walker Bake side. The road passes a reservoir and ends shortly. However, one just heads for the peak summit, which is visible as a rock outcrop from the reservoir area. A long waterless route up the ridge leads to the top. Incidentally the military holds the keys to a gate which blocks a road which leads to about 100' short of the summit on the other (west) side. Another way, I am told, to approach the peak involves a long dirt road drive, probably Nevada 3C. Again permission is needed to cross a mining claim. However, the start is made at 7500'.
Of course there are other peaks which I will not mention, except for their names: North and South Shoshone, Bunker Hill, Wildcat Peak, Troy Peak, Mt. Moriah, Hole in the Mt. Peak, Santa Rosa Peak, Granite Peak (Gerlach), and others probably are not of high enough stature to drive 800-1000 miles for. All of these are indeed desert peaks, although they may not appeal for the driving to the average L.A. weekender. However, Nevada has a unique geology and culture (gambling, trucking, warehousing, etc.) that can make a visit a somewhat refreshing change from the crowded Sierras.
Appreciation for entertaining my comments.
Pete Yamagata