OverviewSituated just east of Reno in the Virginia Range, Peak 6305 (I refer to them as the Damonte Ranch Buttes) are two rocky-topped buttes with spectacular features. The highlight of the hike is a steep-walled canyon at the beginning of the primary route.
Peak 6305 is located only one mile north of the loftier Louse Mountain 6862'. Peak 6305 is visible from the east in parts of the Reno skyline. It stands out in particular because it has two rocky bumps rising over 200 feet from their base. Peak 6305 is the higher of the two buttes - located southeast of the lower butte which is about 6297'.
Hiking Peak 6305 Mountain takes about 2 to 3 hours, particularly due to the long time it takes to get through the canyon. The canyon involves some easy class 3 climbing, and a lot of scrambling. There is only minor scrambling to the top of Peak 6305.
The best time to hike Peak 6305 is late fall and early spring. During summer months, rattlesnakes like to make a home in the canyon and elsewhere on the mountain. Winter creates ice in the canyon. It is recommended to hike here in the early afternoon because the sun shines brightly on the rocky features of the canyon and the peak during these hours, making views far more interesting.
Looking back at Peak 6305 |
Getting ThereGetting to Peak 6305 is easy. Take 395 from Reno to exit 59 – Damonte Ranch Parkway. Once off the highway, head east towards the mountains and turn left on Steamboat Parkway. At the end of Steamboat Parkway, take a right on Rio Wrangler Drive. The canyon comes into view to the east. Take the first left before you reach Damonte Ranch High School, and drive up to the road to the end of the pavement. You can park here at about 4515' or open an unlocked gate (if the gate is there) and drive through onto a well-graded dirt road. Make sure to close the gate after you. Drive up a few hundred yards and find a good place to park. The elevation around here is between 4650 and 4750 feet. There is a good place to park at about 4700 feet.
Route InformationStart making your way towards the canyon. Stay on the left side, where there is an open meadow. The right side is far more rocky. The canyon starts at about 4900 feet and climbs up to 5570 feet in about ¾ of a mile. However, this will take most hikers at least 40-45 minutes due to the difficult terrain. There is no trail, and there is lots of rock scrambling, including a few class 3 moves. Watch for falling rock, and ice during winter.
Entering the canyon |
At the top of the canyon head left until you get to a road. As you continue moving left (north), Peak 6305 comes into view. Continue up the road until another road cuts to the left. Do not follow the road as it curves right towards Louse Mountain.
Continue up the road as it heads directly towards Peak 6305. A side road cuts off the main road directly towards the saddle between Peak 6305 and its lower south summit. The road ends about 1/10th of a mile from the saddle. Head up to the saddle and turn right and scramble up to Peak 6305. From the saddle it is about 100 yards and 100 feet to the top.
Heading to the final summit block |
In total, the elevation gain for this hike is approximately 1800 feet, and 3 1/4 miles one-way.
To descend, head west down the ridge below the two rocky summits and look for a road on the north side of the ridge heading to the right. This will gently descend back to the parking area, without having to climb back down the canyon. It adds 1/4 mile in distance, but that is more than made up for in time saved.Red TapeThere are no issues or permits needed to hike up the canyon. Once at the top of the canyon, it is not clear what is public land and what is private. There is a house located to the south of Louse Mountain, and apparently some construction activity that may or may not be on hold. There is a “No Trespassing” sign along the road between Louse Mountain and Peak 6305 to the south, but no fence to designate private land. Just be careful and watch for any signs that you might be on private land since it is not clearly marked.
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