Matterhorn is the highest Nevada peak north of Interstate 80. Aside from the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldts, it is the highest range and peak in the northeast part of the State. Certainly the highest point of Nevada's first wilderness area, the Jarbidge Wilderness, it is in some of the remotest areas of the Lower 48.

It appears that several people climb this peak each year. It is mainly a class 1 hike, with maybe a spot of class 2. A pack trail leads to nearby, beautiful, Emerald Lake. No trails or use trails lead further to the peak.

Somewhere in the vicinity is the controversial site where a road was denied improvement by the Forest Service, prompting the "shovel brigade." A protest of some 10,000 individuals demonstrated in Elko, NV, with wide media coverage. The issue was over government management about an endangered species of trout.

Getting There

From Elko, NV, motor north about 50 miles on paved NV 225. A 40 mile long, dirt road heads east to the historic town of Jarbidge, NV. This old town can also be reached by driving from Rogerston, Idaho, on U.S. 93, with considerably better road (65 miles). The dirt road from NV 225 can be closed by snow till July. There is a nice developed hot spring enroute from Idaho. Please use a good map to navigate from the west. There is a major, poorly signed, junction that may throw many drivers off. At this major junction, turn left. It is about 25 more miles of good dirt road to get to Jarbidge.

From Jarbidge, motor south a couple miles, on a dirt road, along the Jarbidge River, to the signed trailhead (elevation 7,000 feet).

Take the good pack trail south, and then east, up to the trail's crest of the range (9,800 feet elevation). Either follow the ridgecrest northward to the peak, climbing over a few small bumps and Cougar Peak (10,559') enroute, or continue down to an overnight camp at Emerald Lake (9,200 feet elevation). From there, gain and follow the main ridgecrest north to the peak.

You can also head straight up eastward along Dry Creek, a mile or two up the pack trail, to the summit of Matterhorn. This is a direct, steep, cross-country route that has lots of scree.

Red Tape

No permits, fees, or passes are required to my knowledge. You may wish to check with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, with an office in Elko, NV. Matterhorn sits astride the western boundary of the Jarbidge Wilderness.

When To Climb

Most will climb this peak in summer. The west side dirt road is closed in winter, and the area from the Idaho side probably is deserted in winter.

Camping

A fine backpack is made over the crest (9,800 feet elevation) and down to Emerald Lake (9,200 feet elevation) for a highly isolated campsite. No huts or fees.

Primitive camping can be done along roads throughout the area. There may be fee camping available at Murphy Hot Springs, along the road from Idaho. No, or few, services are reliably offered in Jarbidge. You may be lucky enough to get food and drink.

Mountain Conditions

Please contact the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Elko, NV. Their website gives their e-mail and phone information.

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