OverviewOne of three Nevada's named 12,000 foot peaks, Mt. Moriah is the highest of the northern part of the Snake Range, the second highest mountain range of the Nevada Great Basin Ranges. It is the highest point of the similarly named wilderness area, and affords a great view. The effort to summit is moderate to long.
Probably relatively few people climb this peak, being it is in a remote location. The nearest town is Ely, NV. It is a class 1 peak, with a 4WD road going within 2,000 feet vertical, or so, to the top.
Getting ThereConsult the maps or ask the USFS about the 4WD road approach. The summit is said to be only about a 2 hour hike from the end of the 4WD road. Some exact driving and hiking directions are given in the archives of the Desert Peaks Section website.
A nice long hike or backpack trip, possibly the more scenic route, goes up Hendrys Creek from the peak's eastsoutheast. A good description is given in the guidebook Hiking the Great Basin, by John Hart.
Head east along U.S. 50 from Ely, NV. A good dirt road heads north from about the Nevada/Utah state border. You can get gas and grocery supplies here. Drive north, and then come to a side dirt road which heads for the Hendrys Creek Trailhead.
The parking area (elevation about 6,000 feet) for the Hendrys Creek approach is accessed by rough but passable road for most vehicles. There are some signs.
The good trail ascends gently up Hendrys Creek Canyon, passing through large groves of aspen. Several miles up, one must head cross-country northerly toward the peak highpoint. The forest opens up to vast vistas, and passes along a bare ridge to the top. There are no use trails or ducks, so good navigation is necessary. The route is all class 1. Again, good directions are found in the guidebook, or you can consult a good topo map.
Red TapeNo permits are required. This is an official USFS wilderness area.
When To ClimbThe usual summer season is the best time to climb. Snow cover sometimes is too spotty for skiing or snowshoes in winter, and the lows can get to subzero.
CampingThere are nice backpack campsites along Hendrys Creek. No huts or fees.
Mountain ConditionsPlease contact the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest for details. You can e-mail or phone them from their website.
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Great Basin National Park
