In early June I returned to the Toano Mountains in eastern Nevada to summit a rock outcrop. I returned without my dog Nevada because the upper part of the mountain has some rock scrambling.
Location and General Information: This small desert mountain is one of many unnamed summits in Nevada. Drive I-80 west of West Wendover, Nevada, over Silver zone Pass to the Shafter Exit. Turn right and follow the dirt road to the north. The peak I am summiting is in front of you with a large strip of green in the middle. It looks like a tooth molar. Please consult Google Maps or the National Map, located at the USGS website, to see aerial photographs of the area.
There is no trail to the top however, a strip of vegetation does extend from the bottom to a knoll between the two summits. From the knoll a small strip of shrubs extends to the top of the peak to the right. See last photo on post to see route. During the summer watch out for rattlesnakes on the rocks. Remember to carry water and wear a hat because the sun is extremely intense. The hike requires basic route finding skills. Do not attempt if you are not a confident hiker.
Looking north from the summit
Pilot Peak with desert vegetation
Me at the summit with my great desert hat
Looking north with Pilot Range to the right
The route in red to the top. The rock summit to the left is much harder to summit.
