This is the major northerly peak in the Grant Range of Central Nevada. The approach up Box Canyon from the north is a scenic and rugged hike. Some old jeep roads are seen to the northeast, but they seem unused. Very few people climb this peak.

Getting There

The best directions are given by the guidebook, Hiking the Great Basin, by John Hart.

Otherwise, about 10 miles southwest of the tiny town of Currant, NV, a good dirt road leaves U.S. 6. Head right (southeast), to then come to the dirt road that leads along the northwest side of the range. The only oil fields in the Great Basin are sited near here. A short, rough, side road leads to the start of Box Canyon. Hike, then scramble up this scenic canyon. It goes on, southward, for maybe 4-5 miles. It is mostly a class 1-2 scramble up Box Canyon, with a few class 3 mantle moves necessary to surmount a few 3-7 foot dry waterfalls. Eventually, one comes to a large, flat meadow with the old jeep roads. Head cross-country southwest, through some brush, and mountain mahogany laden slopes, to the high point. This final thousand feet of climbing from the northeast is fairly gentle.

Or, from the good dirt road running along the northwest side of the range, hike directly up to the lower, north end of the north ridge of the peak. This route is steep at the start, and then, after gaining the ridge, the route winds mostly to the northwest of the ridgeline. You'll do a lot of sidehilling and traversing through pinyon/juniper, and then fir, forests. Some cliffs block the final, direct approach. A class 2-3 ledge to the west of the summit ridge allows a short scramble to the top.

Aside from a faint path up parts of Box Canyon, there are no trails or use trails. We saw no ducks or cairns.

Red Tape

No permits, passes, or fees are required. This is BLM land, with some private property nearby.

When To Climb

The usual summer season seems to be the best time to climb. With little snowfall, an off-season ascent might be good to go.

Camping

There is lots of primitive camping, but water is unreliable. No huts or fees.

Mountain Conditions

The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Their Nevada office phone number is 775-861-6500. There is an office in Ely, NV.