Top 10 Highest Points in Nevada
by Paul Sebesta
Higher is better ... and these places make it a *point* to tower above the rest in the Silver State. Nevada's highest points may surprise you.
| Mt. Jefferson (North Summit)
|
|
Location: Toquima Range, Nye County
See Mount Jefferson below |
| North Schell Peak
|
|
Location: Schell Creek Range, White Pine County
- The fifth-most topographically prominent peak in Nevada Drainages: Berry Creek, Timber Creek, Taft Creek, North Fork Cleve Creek |
Charleston Peak from Mummy Mountain
| Charleston Peak
|
|
Location: Spring Mountains, Clark County
- Charleston Peak is the quintessential island mountain separated by two basins. The mountain's massive relief makes it the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada and the eighth most prominent peak in the lower U.S.
Drainages: Kyle Canyon, Lee Canyon, Cold Creek, Carpenter Creek, Charleston Creek |
| Pyramid Peak
|
|
Location: Snake Range, White Pine County
- Pyramid is a cone-shaped peak in the remote backcountry of Great Basin National Park. Pyramid is visible best at the end of Snake Creek Road at the trailhead to Johnson Lake. Drainages: Snake Creek |
| Mt. Jefferson (South Summit)
|
Mount Jefferson from the southern ascent. #10 on our list (Jefferson's North Summit) sits just beyond the summit.
|
Location: Toquima Range, Nye County
- Not only Jefferson the high point of Nye County, it's also well separated from other ranges by two valleys. Mount Jefferson has a high topographic prominence of 5,861 feet, the third most prominent peak in Nevada (after Charleston Peak and Wheeler Peak)!
Drainages: Mosquito Creek, Barley Creek, Northumberland Creek, Pine Creek |
| Mt. Moriah
|
|
Location: Snake Range, White Pine County
- Mount Moriah rises over 6,000 vertical feet above the Snake Valley (on its east) and the Spring Valley (on its west)! In fact, Moriah is the highest point in the entire Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest precinct.
Drainages: Hendrys Creek, Silver Creek, Smith Creek, Horse Creek, Deadman Creek |
| Baker Peak 12,305'
|
(c) Peakery.com
|
Location: Snake Range, White Pine County
- Baker Peak sits in the remote backcountry of Great Basin National Park. Baker blends in well with its neighboring summits, so it isn't a relief peak like most on this list. It's visible best as the backdrop to Baker Lake which sits at the peak's base. Drainages: Baker Creek, Williams Creek |
| Jeff Davis Peak
|
The last bits of daylight on Jeff Davis Peak (the small knob peak in the center)
|
Location: Snake Range, White Pine County
See Wheeler Peak below |
| Wheeler Peak
|
Jeff Davis on the left and Wheeler Peak on the right
|
Location: Snake Range, White Pine County
- Wheeler Peak is the centerpiece of Great Basin National Park - rising 7,563 feet above the Snake Valley. This relief makes it the most topographically prominent peak in Nevada after Charleston Peak (#8 on our list). It's known for its impressive headwall above a large glacial cirque, large moraines, and an active rock glacier!
- One mile east of the summit is a granite crag named Jeff Davis Peak, #3 on our list. Both Wheeler and Jeff Davis dominate the skyline from the Scenic Drive and US 6/50 down on the desert floor. |
Honorable Mentions
Before we reveal our Number 1, let's take a few moments to honor the few mountain ranges that fell just short of the list!
"Schell Creek Peak 3595" (11,795')
Show on Map
| Location: Schell Creek Range, White Pine County |
Johnson Peak (11,775')
Show on Map
| Location: Snake Range, White Pine County |
1. Boundary Peak
(13,140')
At 13,140 feet above sea level, Boundary Peak rises above the rest of Nevada as the state's highest point. Boundary Peak is the northernmost highest peak in the White Mountains and resides barely 3/4 of a mile inside the state boundary and its location often comes as a surprise to most Nevadans. Unlike Whitney or Denali, Boundary Peak does not dominate the skyline. Instead, it floats and blends in with its neighboring high points above the surrounding desert.
In 2009, Boundary Peak was given its own wilderness area, and given its superlative status, you can bet hikers flock here to be above the rest of the Silver State! Boundary can be climbed in a long, grueling 8-mile ascent from the desert floor in Fish Lake Valley. From SR 264, look for a road leading to "Trail Canyon, Boundary Peak" and follow it for 5 miles to the trailhead. Start early because the White Mountains create their own weather patterns in the summer. Every peak bagger familiar with Boundary will probably admit to being chased off the mountain because of its wild summer lightning!
The best profile of Boundary Peak can be seen here just over the state line in California. Boundary is the farthest peak on the left as seen from Adobe Valley off of CA 120 just west of Benton.
Team Wheeler or Team Boundary?
In a state known for its wild debates, the state's highest point does not come without some controversy. The truth is, Boundary is not a true "peak" in the definition of the word. In fact, it's a ridge of Montgomery Peak (13,441) located just over the line in California. Many enthusiasts believe that Boundary should be excluded as a true "highest point," suggesting instead that Wheeler Peak (#2 on our list) should win the state's highest-point designation. Wheeler Peak is a true mountain and located entirely within Nevada. It's sometimes even considered the highest "mountain" peak in Nevada. Ready for the kicker? Boundary is only 82 feet higher than Wheeler Peak. Cest la vie. Once again, we need to be objective here, dig deep, and look at the facts. Boundary still solidly remains the highest-elevated point, ridge, sub-peak, wall of rock, or whatever-you-want-to-call-it, in Nevada. Boundary ... here's to you!
Author: Paul Sebesta
What did you think of this list?