{"id":9281,"date":"2021-08-11T05:06:40","date_gmt":"2021-08-11T05:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/?page_id=9281"},"modified":"2021-09-17T05:47:25","modified_gmt":"2021-09-17T05:47:25","slug":"montgomery-peak","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/index.php\/peak-bagging\/montgomery-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"Montgomery Peak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Boundary Peak may be the highest point in Nevada, however, is it actually a peak?<\/p>\n

Since it lies on the ridge with California\u2019s Montgomery Peak, Boundary could just be considered a bump. Fortunately for it, the state line crosses the saddle and thousands flock there to tag the Nevada high point.\u00a0<\/p>\n

For those a little more daring, the traverse over to Montgomery Peak is well worth it!<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h4>\n

Boundary and Montgomery lie on the northern end of the White Mountains. Most people think of the Bristlecone Forest<\/a> and White Mountain Peak<\/a> when they think of the whites. These are many miles to the north and nowhere near the famous White Mountain Rd.<\/p>\n

Accessing the trailhead to Boundary Peak comes from US-6 just north of Benton. There are two dirt road routes in, Queen Anne Mine and Trail Canyon. We came in from Queen Anne.<\/p>\n

\"Queen

The road into Boundary Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

The turnoff to Queen Anne is across the street from a boarded up brothel and can drive you up to 9800 feet where it\u2019s wide open and offers great camping. We camped lower at the abandoned mine.<\/p>\n

\"Queen

Campsite at Queen Anne Mine<\/p><\/div>\n

The road in is all dirt and high clearance required. 4×4 is not necessary. The road does worsen above the mine and I would park there if you don\u2019t have high clearance.<\/p>\n

Boundary Peak<\/h4>\n

There is a very nice trail most of the way to Boundary Peak. It switchbacks up through open plains and bristlecones and goes under Trail Canyon Saddle Peak all the way to Trail Canyon Saddle. During this stretch we saw quite a few wild horses.<\/p>\n

\"Wild

Wild horses.<\/p><\/div>\n

After the saddle, the real climbing begins. The trail snakes up through the talus and gains a ridge at 12,000 feet just below Hosebag Peak (a sub peak of Boundary).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Boundary Peak is now in full view and the route is pretty obvious. Follow the ridge to the left. The trail disappears here and it\u2019s easy to get sucked down too low. Coming back, I stayed as high on the ridge as possible and it was much easier.<\/p>\n

\"Boundary

View of Boundary Peak after gaining the first ridge above 12,000 feet.<\/p><\/div>\n

After the last 1000 feet up the ridge, you will be standing on the highest spot in Nevada and enjoying the amazing views. To the north, only .75 miles away lies Montgomery Peak and man does it look inviting!<\/p>\n

\"Montgomery

Looking at the traverse over to Montgomery Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

Montgomery Peak<\/h4>\n

Montgomery Peak is a big get for peak baggers<\/a> with spots on multiple lists including the Great Basin Peak List and Desert Peak Section.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The terrain across the saddle borders on class 2 to class 3 depending on which way you climb and snow conditions. It\u2019s very slow going and took 4 of us who are very strong hikers and hour each way. We did encounter some class 3+ at times and some slight exposure where a slip could be very painful.<\/p>\n

\"Montgomery

Working the ridge over to Montgomery Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

The summit block was very cool and an easy class 2 climb to the top. The views are astonishing.<\/p>\n

\"Montgomery

The final summit block of Montgomery Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

Trail Canyon Saddle Peak<\/h4>\n

On the return, we added some extra gain going over the summit of Trail Canyon Saddle Peak. This is a nice peak of its own and falls on the Andy Zdon Desert Peaks List.<\/p>\n

\"Trail

On the summit of Trail Canyon Saddle Peak.<\/p><\/div>\n

The terrain is completely open with exception of some bristlecone pine trees. Tacking on this peak tacks on very little extra mileage since you are basically just following the trail, just higher.<\/p>\n

The Final Word<\/h4>\n

Boundary Peak is not easy, but it\u2019s not super hard either. For a western state high point, it\u2019s straight forward. Just remember there is no water and you are very exposed the entire day and at highway elevation. So be weary of approaching weather and forecasts. It will be a long day too, especially if you add on the bonus peaks.<\/p>\n

The day was very rewarding and checked off a lot of boxes for me. I was pretty exhausted by the end of it, however, I thoroughly enjoyed it!<\/p>\n