Nevada 2,000 ft Prominence Peaks
Overview
A major summit in the Toiyabe Range of Central Nevada, and the highest point in Lander County, Nevada. Due to its remoteness, no more than a couple dozen people climb it yearly. The log, as of 2002, contained names as far back as the early 90s, and averaged out to sometimes less than 10 visits a year. In recent years its profile has risen due to its status as the highpoint of Lander County and as a so-named 'P2K' peak (a peak with 2,000 feet of minimum prominence). It is a testament to the grandness of the Toiyabe Range that a peak as massive as Bunker (and it is when you see it) is just one of four highly prominent peaks in the range, the most prominent being Arc Dome to the south. In dry conditions this is a fun, non-technical day hike amid high open sage slopes. There is no trail, but cross country navigation is very easy - a great 'beginner' peak for cross-country landform navigation.
Getting There
From Reno, it is about a 170 mile drive along US-50 to get to the community of Austin, tucked into a canyon on the Toiyabe Range's west slopes. From Austin, drive 14 miles east up and over the passes to NV-376. Turn right (south) onto NV-376 and follow it about another 14 miles to the community of Kingston. Although there are many roads in this area, stay on the main paved local roads into Kingston and drive past the general store and into the mountains (this will be obvious when you are there). The road turns to good dirt. Follow this dirt road about another 9 miles up to a pass about 4 air-miles north of the summit. The last little bit may be too steep and rocky for most passenger vehicles. Snow lingers into June. Have maps handy.Note on getting to Austin itself: if you like solitude and stark desert beauty, this road has both. There are very few towns along the way. As a result, gas up whenever possible (Cold Springs is the last gas opportunity on US-50, about 50 miles west of Austin). Austin used to be the county seat of Lander county and has many old buildings still in town. Today, it's a small outpost with a full-time population of about 300. Mountain Biking is popular in town.
Update, June 2008 (thanks to "A Bit"): All that remains of the gas station at Cold Springs is a burned out gas pump. The nearest gas is in Austin, NV. There are two stations, both with prices at about what you'll find way down the road in Fallon. As always, while in Nevada, plan ahead & watch that gas gauge!
Red Tape
No permits are required. No private property is crossed. The Forest Service in Austin (west side of town, signed) appreciates if you stop in before or after to say hi and to offer reports on conditions. They have an optional log that can be signed.When To Climb
Best time is late June to about late September. Snow lingers until June and can make some sections technical. I went in mid-May of a light snow year (2002) but even then still had to contend with some icy bits and some slushy steep sections near the top.Camping
Low-impact camping is allowed. Some pullouts are found along the dirt road nearing the trailhead - I found some secluded spots in an area of reeds that had obviously been used in the past for camping. There are no developed campsites immediately near the trailhead. Austin has a few cheap motels and groceries - limited, but reasonable. For the size of the town, it's pretty much the only sizable place for hundreds of square miles. Kingston is barely a blip - a few homes, some prefab, and no real business district.
Mountain Conditions
The Forest Service in Austin may have updated info as provided by hikers. Due to the small numbers who climb it you may have to judge for yourself.External Links
- Bunker Hill - Lander County NV Highpoint (www.surgent.net) My trip from 2002.
Additions and Corrections
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| surgent | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | The standard hiking route is from a saddle at 8,660 feet, located about 4 air-miles north of the summit. 4wd is not needed in normal conditions but the last mile or so of road is rocky and steep enough to scare off the little passenger vehicles. In that case, park early and hoof it from where you park! Those with good 4wd vehicles can drive up another 700 vertical feet to a knob at 9,335 feet just south of the saddle. In any case, the route generally traverses south along the west-facing slopes of the main range before reaching a significant saddle at about 10,100 feet due north of the summit. The slopes are mostly open, sage-covered with few stands of trees. Game trails help. Route finding is easy. If there is snow, beware that it can be icy in the mornings and that crampons may be needed (I needed them). From the saddle, hike directly up the talus slopes. At first, vegetation and tufty grass makes for easy stepping. Soon, the slope steepens for about 200 feet. The rocks can be loose; step carefully. Finally, the slope moderates, and the first of a series of three summit bumps appears. Find a decent use-trail that skirts these subsidiary humps and hike to the furthest of the three bumps, the true summit of Bunker Hill. Options: a few canyons that jut off the main ridge allow for a variation of ascent or descent options. Some have very sketchy trails and may be brushy. However, if driving to the main saddle is not possible, consider hiking up one of these side canyones, and achieving the main ridge from there. Suggestion: do not attack Bunker from directly below. This route looks way too steep and messy. For the record, I descended via one of these side ridges and canyons out to the main road with little difficulty, other than having to battle some brush here and there. | |
| Posted Aug 20, 2003 2:48 pm | ||
| mountaindan | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | There is a developed campground, open during summer and early fall months only, in Kingston canyon just below Groves lake( which has some fair fishing). Also there are several areas along the creek that camping is allowed. | |
| Posted Nov 22, 2003 1:48 pm | ||
| sansend | Untitled Comment | |
Hasn't voted | as of july 12, 2005, there is signage approx. 1/2 mile beyond lake for Bunker Hill Campground. it has a relatively new brick toilet house. there are some primitive sites along the road towards the peak. no tables, fire rings, etc. since i didn't check back in w/ the rangers, i am unaware of their future development plans. | |
| Posted Sep 2, 2005 3:20 pm | ||
| A Bit | No gas in Cold Springs | |
Voted 10/10 | All that remains of the gas station at Cold Springs is a burned out gas pump. The nearest gas is in Austin, NV. There are two stations, both with prices at about what you'll find way down the road in Fallon. As always, while in Nevada, plan ahead & watch that gas gauge! | |
| Posted Jun 7, 2008 9:41 pm | ||
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