Dolly Varden (NV)

Overview

Dolly Varden, though a drive up, it is such a great viewpoint it deserves a page here on SummitPost. It also comes in at #155 on the Nevada 2,000 foot Prominence List and that may be of interest to those who are involved in chasing after the newly developing mountain sport of prominence peak bagging. Another consideration for having a page dedicated to it is the fact that it is also the high point of the Dolly Varden Mountains.

Located near Northeastern Nevada, Dolly Varden is in a very isolated area. The closest town of any size being West Wendover, NV which is about 50 miles to the Northeast. The fact that this is a drive up it is often included in the same day as other nearby prominent peaks in this area of Nevada. Some easy ones to include in a multiple peak day would be Baldy Peak and Becky Peak, which are both to the South of Dolly Varden.

The summit offers some of the best 360 degree views in the area. One can see the high peaks of Great Basin National Park to the south along with the high crested Schell Creek Range. Many other of Nevada’s Prominent peaks may be seen from its summit on a clear as well including Spruce Mountain, Pilot Peak, Goshute Peak, and even Ibapah Peak over in Utah to the Southeast.

One thing to note, on the drive in one will come across some no trespassing and private property signs. These are to keep people out of the Victoria mines, which are next to the road on the drive in. As long as you stay on the main road and respect the mines you will be fine.

Getting There

From Salt Lake City

Drive West on I-80 for Approximately 122 miles into Nevada.

Just after crossing into Nevada, Take Exit 410 South onto US-93 Alt (0.2 miles)

Turn Left (East) onto US-93 Alt [Wendover Blvd] 0.2 miles

Turn Right (South) onto US-93 Alt for 38.6 miles. You should see a sign for Dolly Varden, Turn Right (NW) here.

Drive for 4.6 miles, then you'll come to a fork in the road. Take the left fork.

Continue for 7.06 miles. Along the way you will see a "Danger No Tresspassing" sign as you near Victoria Mine.

After you have driven 7.06 miles or so, you will see another "No Tresspassing" sign with a gate. There is a road that forks off to the left here. Take this fork.

Continue another 1.55 miles to the summit. The summit is in view (if it is not a foggy or cloudy day) once you make this left.


From Ely, NV

Drive North on US 93 for 59.4 miles

Keep Straight onto US-93 Alt for 20.7 miles. Turn Left onto Dolly Varden Road.

Drive for 4.6 miles, then you'll come to a fork in the road. Take the left fork.

Continue for 7.06 miles. Along the way you will see a "Danger No Tresspassing" sign as you near Victoria Mine.

After you have driven 7.06 miles or so, you will see another "No Tresspassing" sign with a gate. There is a road that forks off to the left here. Take this fork.

Continue another 1.55 miles to the summit. The summit is in view (if it is not a foggy or cloudy day) once you make this left.

A 4WD is recommended to get to the summit. However, if the road is dry and no snow a good 2WD could reach the summit.

Red Tape & Camping

Please respect the mines in the area. As long as you stay on the main roads in the directions to the summit you should not have any problems.

A few primitive camping areas can be found near a few miles before reaching Victoria Mine. Follow BLM regulations. No firewood cutting. Wilderness area rules apply. Please follow the Leave No Trace principles.

History

Victoria Mine seen from the summit.

The area in the Dolly Varden Mountains was a heavy mining area at one time. Silver was first discovered here in 1869. Later in 1872 the Dolly Varden mine was discovered which started exploration in the area. By the end of 1872 two camps formed with about fifty miners in each camp. The Dolly Varden mine soon developed into a rich copper mine. The mines had to close due to huge price drops and eventually reopened in 1905.

Victoria mine, the other mine, became the top producer in the area 1908 and 1909. The mines again closed in 1911 and 1912 due to more drops in copper prices. A little revival took place in the 1920s. By 1927 though, the distritct was abandoned. During World War II, another revival occurred from 1941 to 1947.

After dying out again activity resumed in the 1970s and 1980s at the Victoria mine. This did not last very long. Today the buildings and rubble can be seen as you are driving to the summit. Great views of these mines can also be enjoyed from the summit.

Weather

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External Links

Summit Photo

Dolly Varden Mtns from the East

Images

View Dolly Varden (NV) Image Gallery - 35 Images