The standard hiking route is from a saddle at 8,660 feet, located about 4 air-miles north of the summit. 4wd is not needed in normal conditions but the last mile or so of road is rocky and steep enough to scare off the little passenger vehicles. In that case, park early and hoof it from where you park! Those with good 4wd vehicles can drive up another 700 vertical feet to a knob at 9,335 feet just south of the saddle.
In any case, the route generally traverses south along the west-facing slopes of the main range before reaching a significant saddle at about 10,100 feet due north of the summit. The slopes are mostly open, sage-covered with few stands of trees. Game trails help. Route finding is easy. If there is snow, beware that it can be icy in the mornings and that crampons may be needed (I needed them).
From the saddle, hike directly up the talus slopes. At first, vegetation and tufty grass makes for easy stepping. Soon, the slope steepens for about 200 feet. The rocks can be loose; step carefully. Finally, the slope moderates, and the first of a series of three summit bumps appears. Find a decent use-trail that skirts these subsidiary humps and hike to the furthest of the three bumps, the true summit of Bunker Hill.
Options: a few canyons that jut off the main ridge allow for a variation of ascent or descent options. Some have very sketchy trails and may be brushy. However, if driving to the main saddle is not possible, consider hiking up one of these side canyones, and achieving the main ridge from there. Suggestion: do not attack Bunker from directly below. This route looks way too steep and messy. For the record, I descended via one of these side ridges and canyons out to the main road with little difficulty, other than having to battle some brush here and there.
There is a developed campground, open during summer and early fall months only, in Kingston canyon just below Groves lake( which has some fair fishing). Also there are several areas along the creek that camping is allowed.
as of july 12, 2005, there is signage approx. 1/2 mile beyond lake for Bunker Hill Campground. it has a relatively new brick toilet house. there are some primitive sites along the road towards the peak. no tables, fire rings, etc. since i didn't check back in w/ the rangers, i am unaware of their future development plans.
All that remains of the gas station at Cold Springs is a burned out gas pump. The nearest gas is in Austin, NV. There are two stations, both with prices at about what you'll find way down the road in Fallon. As always, while in Nevada, plan ahead & watch that gas gauge!
surgent - Aug 20, 2003 2:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThe standard hiking route is from a saddle at 8,660 feet, located about 4 air-miles north of the summit. 4wd is not needed in normal conditions but the last mile or so of road is rocky and steep enough to scare off the little passenger vehicles. In that case, park early and hoof it from where you park! Those with good 4wd vehicles can drive up another 700 vertical feet to a knob at 9,335 feet just south of the saddle.
In any case, the route generally traverses south along the west-facing slopes of the main range before reaching a significant saddle at about 10,100 feet due north of the summit. The slopes are mostly open, sage-covered with few stands of trees. Game trails help. Route finding is easy. If there is snow, beware that it can be icy in the mornings and that crampons may be needed (I needed them).
From the saddle, hike directly up the talus slopes. At first, vegetation and tufty grass makes for easy stepping. Soon, the slope steepens for about 200 feet. The rocks can be loose; step carefully. Finally, the slope moderates, and the first of a series of three summit bumps appears. Find a decent use-trail that skirts these subsidiary humps and hike to the furthest of the three bumps, the true summit of Bunker Hill.
Options: a few canyons that jut off the main ridge allow for a variation of ascent or descent options. Some have very sketchy trails and may be brushy. However, if driving to the main saddle is not possible, consider hiking up one of these side canyones, and achieving the main ridge from there. Suggestion: do not attack Bunker from directly below. This route looks way too steep and messy. For the record, I descended via one of these side ridges and canyons out to the main road with little difficulty, other than having to battle some brush here and there.
mountaindan - Nov 22, 2003 1:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentThere is a developed campground, open during summer and early fall months only, in Kingston canyon just below Groves lake( which has some fair fishing). Also there are several areas along the creek that camping is allowed.
sansend - Sep 2, 2005 3:20 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled Commentas of july 12, 2005, there is signage approx. 1/2 mile beyond lake for Bunker Hill Campground. it has a relatively new brick toilet house. there are some primitive sites along the road towards the peak. no tables, fire rings, etc. since i didn't check back in w/ the rangers, i am unaware of their future development plans.
A Bit - Jun 7, 2008 9:41 pm - Voted 10/10
No gas in Cold SpringsAll that remains of the gas station at Cold Springs is a burned out gas pump. The nearest gas is in Austin, NV. There are two stations, both with prices at about what you'll find way down the road in Fallon. As always, while in Nevada, plan ahead & watch that gas gauge!