Page Type: | Mountain/Rock |
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Lat/Lon: | 39.34934°N / 119.5705°W |
County: | Storey |
Activities: | Hiking, Scrambling |
Season: | Spring, Fall, Winter |
Elevation: | 7082 ft / 2159 m |
Rocky Peak 7,082’ is a magnificent, rocky-topped summit located east of Virginia City in the Flowery Range, an offshoot of the Virginia Range. The summit area is adorned with spectacular rocky vistas, and could be considered the premier hike in the Virginia Range in northwestern Nevada.
Located a few miles east of Virginia City, Nevada, a BLM access road heads up to a ridge behind Rocky Peak within about 3 3/4 miles from paved roads.
Much of the surrounding area is on private lands, with "No Trespassing" signs near some old mining sites (some of which are occasionally active). This is often a deterrent to visitors who believe the entire area is off-limits. However, the primary route described below provides public access without trespassing on any of these lands.
The best time to hike up Rocky Peak and the Flowery Range in general is probably between late October and April. During summer, temperatures are far too high. The area can get snowy during the heart of winter, although Rocky Peak typically sees less snow than the ridges to the west rising west of Virginia City.
From Reno, drive to Virginia City over the Geiger Grade (or US 50 from Carson City), and head east on Six Mile Canyon Road which heads downhill from Virginia City on the left. Drive past the Sugarloaf Rock Formation for 1 ½ miles. There are a couple roads near mining operations. One has a No Trespassing Sign. The one just past it has no such sign. There are large power lines at the base of the road. The road starts at only about 4770’.
From Carson City, take US 50 east towards Dayton. Six Mile Canyon is on the east side of Dayton, about 15 miles east of Carson City. Take a left on Six Mile Canyon and head up about 3 ½ miles. Park at the base of the road, or on the road.In total, the hike is about 7 1/2 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of a little over 2,300’. If you want extra distance, you can hike over to nearby Peak 7036 to the west or Horse Benchmark 7,163' to the east. Either of these will add about 2 ½ miles total to the trip.
For the north route, start at the aforementioned parking area. Avoid any signs that are off-limits and head up to the ridge. Once you see the road below you, Rocky Peak is just above it. There is a road going up towards Rocky Peak, and then you have to bushwhack, reaching the summit in 2/3rds of a mile from the road. This route is a little over 2 miles one way to the summit, and adding either Peak 7036 or Horse Benchmark adds 2 1/2 miles total.