Mt. Lincoln is the second highest peak in the Stillwater Range of Nevada, after Job Peak, and offers an outstanding panoramic view from the summit. From this fine vantage point it is possible to see Mt. Lassen, the Sierra Buttes, Mt. Rose, Granite Chief, Mt. Grant, Arc Dome, King Lear Peak, and many, many others. The summit register on this peak had not been signed since October 18, 2000. The register was placed in 1996, and had very few entries, which was surprising, because this peak is a lot easier to get to than many of Nevada's other peaks. It is claimed that Big Horn Sheep have been re-introduced into the area, but I haven't seen any yet.

Getting There

From Reno (the closest metro area), drive eastbound on Interstate 80 for a half-hour or so, and take Exit 48. Proceed south for .3 miles, and turn left at the light onto NV Alt 50. Follow this to the town of Fallon, and drive straight through Fallon. Just after leaving the town limit, watch for NV 116 on your left, and turn here. Follow this to the small burg of Stillwater, once the county seat of Churchill County. Go through Stillwater, and soon the road turns to dirt, but it is a very fine dirt road. You will pass some sort of maintenance station, continue on until you come to an obvious 4-way intersection. Turn right, and look for a left turn through a wire gate. Go through the gate (close it behind you if it closed when you find it) and stay on the main road. From here it is recommended to have a high clearance vehicle. The traction is good, but there are many good-sized rocks littering the road. Soon you will enter Pete Canyon, and it will be time to choose your trailhead.

Red Tape

This peak, and the area surrounding it, is administered by the Bureau of Land Mis-management. There are no permit requirements, no user fees, no summit fees, no closures, no parking fees, and there is no parking pass required. The air above the peak, however, belongs to the Naval Air Station at Fallon, and they don't want you in their air. The airspace in this area is restricted.

When To Climb

The best time to climb is fall, winter, or spring. Summer is too hot (at least for me. I don't like hot weather). Occasionally, there is abundant snowfall in the range, making winter ascents difficult, but this is rare. I was told a story, by a Fallon local, of a fellow and his dog who hiked into the area in the winter, and ended up at a hunting cabin on the east side of the range, chased there by a snow storm. Supposedly they were "snowed in" for many days, and the guy ended up eating his dog. I can't verify the story.

Camping

You may camp anywhere you choose to throw down your bag. There is some running water in the springtime, but don't count on it. Bring your own. There are no facilites of any kind.

Mountain Conditions

For current weather conditions for this peak, click here. This is a semi-remote area, and snow conditions and the like are not readily available.

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