Since Boundary Peak straddles the border between Nevada and California it can be debated if it is truly a Nevada Peak, but it is accepted as being the high point of Nevada. (The highest point totally within the state is Wheeler Peak near Ely.)
What cannot be debated is that it is a great desert peak climb complete with wild horses, expansive views and bristlecone pines. And at 13,140 feet in height it is on par with many Sierra Peaks and is a tremendous viewpoint looking far to the east over the seemingly endless basins and ranges of Nevada.
Our route is primarily a use trail, or no trail at all, with talus hopping and easy scrambling.
The ascent can be done in a long day but we prefer to camp the night before near the base to reduce the driving time on our ascent day. A 4×4 vehicle is also needed to make the closest approach and we arrange that for you – no need to try and coax the Prius up a bad road.
Since we drive to about 9850 feet and then hike from there any time you can spend beforehand camping at 7-8,000 feet will also significantly aid in your acclimatization.
Day 1: Meet in Bishop and then drive to a car camp at about 8000 feet in Queen Canyon north of Benton just over the border into Nevada. This is about a 50 mile drive from Bishop. We will have dinner here and be in bed early.
Day 2: The next day we drive to the top of Queen Canyon at 9850 feet. Parking here we head out along a rough trail on the south side of the ridge to Trail Canyon Saddle at 10,800 feet.
Somewhere here the trail deteriorates further as we climb a steep slope directly towards the summit with a final scramble over large talus blocks onto the high point of Nevada at over 13,000 feet. We retrace our tracks back down aiming to arrive mid afternoon at the vehicles.
Distance: ~8 miles round-trip; Elevation gain: ~3500 feet
Program Prerequisites:
This will be a primarily off trail hike. You need to feel comfortable carrying a day pack across this type of terrain so prior cross country experience is suggested. This is a high elevation trip and prior hiking experience above 10,000 feet is advised.
Program Inclusions:
Price includes guiding, permits, tents, kitchen gear, breakfast, lunch and dinner (you bring hot/cold drinks and snack items). Scheduled dates include USFS trail fees. Private programs do not.
Local accommodation is not included.
Details, Itinerary, and Equipment List:
Details, itinerary, and equipment list
Map:
Boundary Peak Map
