Discover the Highest Point in Nevada

Nevada can be a state of extremes. It is home to Las Vegas, where people from around the world come to party, gamble, and have a good time. It is a somewhat mountainous state that mostly consists of grasslands and deserts. Despite the fact that it is the driest state in the United States, the name Nevada means “snow-covered” in Spanish. The state gets its name from the picturesque and often snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains on the western border of the state with California.

What Is the Highest Point in Nevada?

The highest point in Nevada is called Boundary Peak. It is 13,147 feet above sea level. And, it is technically not a peak. It’s actually a ridge of another mountain that is technically in California, Montgomery Peak. Boundary Peak is just 3/4 of a mile from the state of Nevada’s border with The Golden State.

Regardless of its technical classification, it is still the highest point in the state! It is one of the northernmost points in The White Mountains, a range that is mostly in California but terminates to the north in Nevada. The name of the peak comes from the fact that it is so close to the border of the two states. This border runs down the saddle between Boundary Peak and Montgomery Peak.

Where Is Boundary Peak Located on a Map?

Like much of Nevada, just getting to Boundary Peak is a rugged journey. Depending on which direction you come from, you can either take a dirt road from Nevada Route 264 or Queen’s Canyon Road from Route 6. Both roads are a bit rough but 4-wheel drive is not required. However, a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. You may also have to cross a few streams or dry washes on your journey.

Hiking Boundary Peak

Whether you are part of the group of peak baggers that tries to hike to the top of the highest point of each state or you just want to experience a great hike in Nevada, Boundary Peak is a good place to go for a strenuous hike. There are two different hikes you can take to the saddle between Boundary Peak and Montgomery Peak. Then, you have to do a strenuous but non-technical climb to the peak. Though it is not technical, it might involve some rock scrambling.

You can camp near the trailhead or at a reservoir nearby if you don’t want to drive in and hike on the same day. Keep in mind this hike is in the desert. You need to bring a lot of water to avoid dehydration and there is not much water along the trail. There is only one spot to refill along the way and it is used by grazing cattle, so be sure to properly sanitize the water if you use it.

Other Things to Do in the Area

This area is a complete haven for nature lovers. It’s just an hour and a half drive from Mammoth Lakes and June Lake in California, two small towns where people congregate for good food and brews before heading out into the wilderness.

There are also other mountains nearby. White Mountain Peak is the highest point in the White Mountain Range. It is another challenging peak to summit for avid hikers.

Other Tall Peaks in Nevada

Boundary Peak’s designation as the tallest peak in the state of Nevada is actually a bit controversial. It is definitely the tallest point, but as it is not an official peak, some people think that Wheeler Mountain in the northern part of the state should be the official peak, as it is officially the peak of a mountain. That mountain is 13,065 feet tall. However, it is now officially considered the second-tallest peak.

Mount Moriah is the third tallest peak in the state. It stands 12,072 feet tall.

The rest of the top 10 tallest peaks in the state in descending order of height include:

4. Mount Jefferson: 11,946 feet tall

5. Charleston Peak: 11,916 feet tall

6. North Schell Peak: 11,895 feet tall

7. Arc Dome: 11,778 feet tall

8. Currant Mountain: 11,518 feet tall

9. Bunker Hill: 11,477 feet tall

10. Ruby Dome: 11,392 feet tall

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock.com