OverviewCone Peak is towering rock formation in the Sierra Nevada mountains just east of I-80 near the California/Nevada state line. Many travelers see this rock tower while driving east or west on I-80, but few ever actually go there.
Cone Peak does not have much prominence, only about 86’ in fact. But that does not take away from its dramatic beauty and contrast with the surrounding landscape, made up mostly of forest and brush, and an endless series of plateaus that make up the northern Carson Range.
Cone Peak south face |
This is a great day hike that allows for a nice walk through the woods, with pretty views en route, and a great rock scramble with varying degrees of difficulty - from Class 2 to Class 3. There are no summits that can serve as doubles on this hike. Cone Peak is the only real destination. The nearest summits in view are the Verdi Ridge area, with Verdi Peak 8,444' and Ladybug Peak 8380' just to the west; and Peavine Peak 8266' to the northeast.
Typically this area is best hiked in fall before first snowfall. It is far better to hike here when it is dry, which is why October/November is probably the best time. We hiked on January 2nd, 2012 in 60 degree+ weather in what has followed perhaps the driest December on record in this region. Normally these roads are covered in snow at this time.
Getting ThereHead to Verdi, Nevada on I-80 near the California State line. Get off at Exit 3 and head south on CO Road 136, also called South Verdi Road. South of I-80 the road crosses back on the west side of the train tracks. Continue south and the road becomes partially paved/partially dirt. 2 miles from the exit is parking, usually used for anglers fishing in the Truckee River. A dirt road crosses the train tracks and heads uphill. The elevation at the parking area is about 4950’.
Route InformationThe road generally switchbacks towards Cone Peak. Look at a Google Map, or Google Earth™ map prior to taking this trip. You will notice the general direction needed to travel. Fuller Lake will be encountered about 2 miles and 1150’ up the road. You need to head along the top side of the lake, passing an old cabin. Soon after passing the cabin, take the road as it heads to the left, uphill. About ½ mile later you encounter another lake, which is often dry. So do not get confused. The road continues up and switchbacks towards Cone Peak. It ends at another junction, where you take a right and continue towards Cone Peak. At about 3 ¾ miles you cross under Cone Peak as the road exceeds 7,000’. Pass to the right side of Cone Peak and find a spot to bushwhack through the woods up to it. The best way to approach is from the right side. There is an easy scramble up the back side, although there are multiple ways up. I climbed it head on up a scree slope on its west face. The easiest is the back side, which is its east face. Descend the back side and return to the road, preferably the way you came up from the road.
Scree slope up the west face of Cone Peak |
Looking up at the south face of Cone Peak |
View northwest over the summit of Cone Peak towards the Bald Mountain Range in California |
Total elevation gain from the parking area is about 2600’, with 500’ coming in the last 1/3rd of a mile or so from the road to the peak. Total round trip distance is approximately 9 miles.Red TapeStay on the road. There are a few areas of private land with “No Trespassing" signs, but the main road up towards Cone Peak is in the Toiyabe National Forest
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