Overview
Pond Peak is a summit in the Pah Rah Range, a mountain range that stretches north from Sparks, Nevada to Pyramid Lake. Although not the highest peak in the range, Pond Peak has a prominence of approximately 900’, and is a prominent feature heading east on I-80 from Sparks towards Fernley. The mountain can be seen from Reno, and can be easily accessed from the east, with a slightly longer approach from the west side.Pond Peak is named for a large pond just north of the summit. The mountain is hiked on occasion, but it is often ignored by residents of Northern Nevada who prefer hiking, or skiing, in the nearby Sierra Nevada.
The views are from the summit are excellent, with the Sierra Nevada to the west and many various mountain ranges in Nevada in view in all other directions.
Pond Peak can be hiked all year round. Snow is usually on the mountain between December and early March, but the area makes for good snowshoeing during that time. The best time to hike is probably during the fall from October through early December. Springtime is also a good time to hike, just don’t hike after a rain or snowstorm because the roads will be muddy. Rattlesnakes are present on the rocky areas during warm weather months and the heat during summer can be unbearable.
Pond Peak seen from the Peak 5987 above Hidden Valley east of Reno
Getting There - East side via Olinghouse
The primary route to the summit is from the east side approach. Take I-80 East to exit 43, to the Wadsworth exit (427) heading northeast. Drive slow, as you are now in the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation. Follow signs to 447, and take it north for about two miles. On the left is Olinghouse Road. Follow this well graded dirt road for about 5 ½ miles. At this point, you will see a sign for private land. Supposedly there is a locked gate at this point, but we did not see the gate when we were there on 11/12/2011. The private land continues for about 1 mile, and then there is a sign for public access. The private land continues to the north at a big mining operation. You have to drive up to the top of a small hill to reach public land, which can be tricky for small cars, or 2WD without front-wheel drive. There is a small parking area on the left side of the road at about 5870’.
Pond Peak seen on Olinghouse Road - Christmas Day 2010
East Approach Route – Olinghouse
From the parking area, head up the first hill for just over 1/4 mile, and then leave the road and head right up the ridge. This is the most straightforward way up to the summit. This is the “East Ridge” of the mountain. It is less than 2 miles to the summit once leaving the road, and although there is no trail, it is very straightforward. There are opportunities to summit from offshoots further up the road, but the east ridge route is probably the best way. On the way down, you can take the road back. The road heads west for about 1 ½ miles before turning back around and heading east towards Olinghouse. It is 5 miles back to the parking area from the summit this way, making for a nice 7 ¼ miles round trip hike, with a one way elevation gain of about 2165’.
Heading back down the road towards Olinghouse
Getting There - West side via Wilcox Ranch
The mountain can be approached from the west side as well, via Wilcox Ranch Road. From Reno take I-80 east to exit 18 (Pyramid Highway – Highway 445). Follow Pyramid Peak north through Spanish Springs, and continue as the road becomes two-lanes. It is 18 miles from I-80 to the turn off. The turn off is just before the Wild Horse Corral. At the turnoff, follow Ironwood Road, a partially paved road that is covered in dirt. Follow Ironwood Road for 4.8 miles to a T junction with Amy Road. Take a right on Amy Road and follow it for about 0.4 miles where the road curves to the left and turns into Wilcox Ranch Road. Follow Wilcox Ranch Road for about 10 miles, and you are within a nice day hike of the summit. A good place to park is probably where Wilcox Ranch Road junctions with Left Hand Pass Road. You can park here, or venture closer if you want. The directions I will give on this page are from this junction at about 6180’. I cannot vouch for the quality of the road up to this point, although most of this area is well graded.West Approach Route – Wilcox Ranch Road
After about 1 ½ miles from Left Hand Pass Road there is a junction with Pond Peak Road heading up towards the mountain. Once on Pond Peak Road, head another 1 ½ miles up to the pond on the north side of Pond Peak. Hike to the northeast end of the pond to get to the north ridge of Pond Peak (there is a road on this side of the pond). From here it is a mile and 523’ to the summit.Red Tape
Pond Peak is mostly on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The summit has electrical equipment, but is open to the public. Please drive slow through the Pyramid Paiute Reservation, which is crossed on the way to the mountain. Do not park on the private land on Olinghouse Road. Drive through it to get to public lands.Images
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