North Shoshone Peak

Overview

North Shoshone Peak - Another Nevada peak out in the middle of nowhere. North Shoshone Peak is the high point of the Shoshone Mountains in Central Nevada, and the summit is infrequently visited. You are highly unlikely to encounter tourists, unless you visit during hunting season. The deer are pretty thick around here.

Getting There

This is the most difficult part of the whole endeavor - this peak is not close to anything! I live within 10 miles of the Central Nevada border, and it still took me 3+ hours to the trailhead. The peak is most easily approached from the northwest. Anyway, here are the options:

From Reno:

Proceed on I-80 eastbound to Fernley, take alt. US 50 out of Fernley to just before Fallon where it joins US 50, continue through Fallon, past Sand Mountain, past Middlegate, and watch for NV 722 on your right.
(Continued below)

From Bridgeport: (Well, that's where I drove from...)

Take US 395 southbound to CA 167 which turns into NV 359 when you cross the state line. At Hawthorne, turn eastbound on US 95 and follow this to just before Luning. Turn left onto NV 361 and follow that forever to Middlegate. At Middlegate, turn right onto US 50, and soon thereafter turn right again on NV 722.

Continued:

Follow NV 722 to Eastgate, and continue on as the road enters the unimaginatively named Road Canyon. You will pass Skull Canyon (now that's a better name!) and top out on Carroll Summit, and continue downhill to Smith Creek Valley. As you enter the valley, the road straightens out, and you will cruise along watching for Peterson Station on your right. About 75 yards prior to Peterson Station, take a nice gravel road to the right.

This road leads to the Peterson Creek drainage, and continues for 6.5-7 miles of very slow going. Expect to take 45 minutes to an hour to drive this section if you care about your car at all. You will pass through 3 wire gates (close them behind you, this is an active cattle ranch), and the road will steadily deteriorate. High clearance is advised, and expect to have your vehicle scratched by very dense vegetation lining the sides of the road. The road becomes very narrow with trees and brush on both sides, there are numerous creek crossings, and many large rocks and other obstacles (like washed-out culverts) to dodge, and occasional swampy areas to get through.

Eventually, at the toe of the peak, the vegetation thins out, but then the road becomes quite steep - 4-low territory. After about 1/4 mile up the steep, loose grade, the road dead-ends. Here is your trailhead.

Red Tape & Camping

No red tape. This is public land, and is surrounded by public land. There are some real nice campsites is the Peterson Creek drainage, with quakies, running water, shade and shelter. Plenty of parking. Wildlife abounds.

When To Climb

Spring and fall are the best, winter will see snow and ice, and summer will be darn hot.

Mountain Conditions

There really is nothing near here, so you'll just have to take a look at a regional
forecast and try your luck.

Images

View North Shoshone Peak Image Gallery - 15 Images