Mount Augusta is the highest point of the Clan Alpine Range in Central Nevada. Desatoya Peak beats Augusta out for being the Churchill County Highpoint, by a few feet, but it does not dim the worthiness of this peak.

Few people ever visit this range let alone explore or climb in its hinter regions. You won't find masses of recreationalists here.

It is a class 1 ascent by many routes.

Getting There

Take U.S. 50, the "Loneliest Highway," east from Fallon, Nevada, about 50 miles, to the signed side dirt road north, to "Alpine 3." This junction is also about 50 miles west from Austin, Nevada. You'll have to navigate the dirt roads, to War Canyon dirt road, which can be traveled by a good passenger vehicle.

From the mainly uninhabited collection of abodes at Alpine, take the main dirt road northeast along the base of the range. A post, or stack of rocks or tires, may mark the War Canyon Road. Drive slowly and carefully up this rough dirt road into the heart of the range, over Railroad Ridge, and maybe 11 miles total to Cherry Valley. The stark, barren, peak comes into view, to the south, as you descend into Cherry Valley, along the rough dirt road. Motor as far as you wish, coming to a sage meadow, and an enclosure that is an experimental range study plot. The elevation here is about 7,500 feet and 2.5 miles from the summit. Head for the old track, overgrown and not drivable, that runs up along the north side of the peak. As this track fades out, head cross-country south towards the top of the ridge, then east, for the top.

The Cherry Creek road was washed out at the time of my visit, some 12 years ago. You might hike this route to Cherry Valley, to ascend the peak by the north slopes and ridges. It would be at least a 20 mile, round trip, hike. The start, at the Clan Alpine ruins, is 5,600 feet elevation.

Red Tape

This is not an official wilderness area, yet, I think, so there are no permits, fees, or passes required. The entire area is very primitive.

When To Climb

Off-season (spring or fall) is the best time to climb here. It gets warm or hot during the middle of summer, and there is snow in the winter.

Camping

The entire area is primitive, so there are no official opportunities for camping. There is an old rock cabin enroute, but it is probably historic, and perhaps, still privately owned.

Mountain Conditions

You can contact the Bureau of Land Management in Reno, NV. The nearest big town is Fallon, NV.

Images