This is a lowly peak on the north side of the remote Sweetwater Range, which straddles the boundary line of Nevada and California. Like the rest of the peaks in this range, they remain mostly unknown and unvisited. Desert Creek Peak is considered by some to be the highest point of the Wellington Hills, and thus not part of the Sweetwaters. But some dismiss it as the lowest, but still challenging, peak of the Sweetwaters.

Getting There

Free, and exact, directions are found in the Northern Sierra Peaks Guide, based on the PETE'S THOUSAND PEAKS website.

Otherwise, head south along the signed Desert Creek dirt road from NV 338 south of Wellington, NV. Cross the creek, if safe enough, and park, off the road, as far as you wish toward the second ford. This can be impassable during high runoff. The road can get muddy, and it is not hard to get stuck. Tow service may not come to get you, being a rough road inadvisable to passenger vehicles, at least not without substantial payment!

High to your left (east), you may spot the peak summit and it's antenna atop it. Park well off the road (this can be tricky). Head up the steep, brushy, and forested slope, cross-country, any way that looks feasible. I like the ridge that heads up slightly to the south of the summit. The least angled slopes are generally the easiest. It is all class 1-2 through the pinyons and mountain mahogany.

For the descent, about directly from the top, head straight down, and perhaps, veer a bit to the right, to catch a nice scree run for about several hundred feet. This empties into a narrow gully filled with downed trees and brush, which can be hiked and sidehilled around. This western slope all leads back to Desert Creek, and the dirt road.

Red Tape

No permits, passes, or fees. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest runs this area.

When To Climb

This peak can be climbed year round. It may be warm, or even hot, during summer, but an early start can avoid heat problems. Low snowfall in the winter can impede the approach and climb. The roads can get muddy, and the fords high. Do not risk your vehicle; instead proceed on foot, if uncertain.

My favorite time is in the fall; there are colors in the area.

Camping

No water, aside from residual snow, is found anywhere on this mountain. There is plenty of primitive camping possible in the area. Only campfire permits are needed. No huts.

On U.S. 395, Topaz Lake Lodge has an RV park, maybe closed out of season (winter). There is good camping at the nearby Topaz Lake Nevada State Park for about ten dollars a night.

There is more lodging at Carson City, and Minden/Gardnerville, NV, and limited lodging in Bridgeport, CA. You may find some other motels along 395, near Walker, CA, too.

Mountain Conditions

The USFS ranger station in Bridgeport, CA, can report on conditions. The Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is contacted by their website

There is the Mono Lake webcam to show the weather about 40 miles to the south. Reno, NV webcams can show the sky to the south of Reno, NV, which is about 80 miles northwest of the Sweetwaters.