With the nice fall weather holding, I was planning on getting out again. Zach and I had plans in place, then John Platt sent an email out solicit for a trip. 3 of responded "Sunday works". Well Sunday wasn't the day John was looking for, but it did allow him to be the "match-maker" for us.

With a larger group than just Zach and myself and great weather predicted, I threw out Granite Peak in Nevada as a peak possibility and all parties seemed interested.

Granite Peak is highpoint of Santa Rosa Mountains and Humboldt County in Nevada. In addition to that, the peak boasts 4400 feet of promimence, putting it in the top 100 most prominent peaks in the continental United States. Oh, and it was a 4-star (out of 5) peak on Michael's peak wish list... it was a must-do!

Sean, Michael, Zach, and myself headed down to Nevada. The drive was long, but all four of us share interests in college football, beer, and mountains so there was never much silence and the drive went quickly.

We followed directions to Hinkey Summit. From the summit, a side road headed off for Granite Peak. We followed this road to 8500 feet and parked near an aspen grove. The road continued, but it was heading away from the peak and we were within easy striking distance anyway. The day was gorgeous, with blue skies and no clouds. It was very warm for October 30th.

We set off west, directly for the peak following a cattle trail next to a fence. After gaining about 200 feet this led us to a basin where we met back up with the road. We continued along the fence line. Eventually the fence ended and the terrain was more rocky. We climbed over one more little hill and were at the base of Granite Peak with about 300 feet to go.

The remaining terrain was very alpine from here. Hanging on the west side of the peak can keep in mostly class 2. Hitting the ridge directly is class 3. There is some exposure on the north side of the peak, but never much on the south. After some short, but fun scrambling, we were on top. There were a lot of registers atop of the peak. We flipped through some register entries, finding out that this is a very popular peak. After photos and some perspicacious discussion, we headed down. Even with the long time spent on the summit, we were down and had completed the peak within 2 hours round trip.

We decided as a group to get some more exercise and climb up Peak 8580 on the south side of Hinkey Summit. After a quick hike up a jeep trail, we summited the peak. The peak actually had great views of Granite Peak. It also had a register, which informed us the peak was highpoint of the Martin Creek Mountains. Not too shabby... a 2nd range highpoint in less than 3 hours.

We had also passed by Buckskin Mountain on drive in. We figured why not visit the top of that peak as well. We drove up the road until we were within reasonable striking distance and hiked to the summit of our 3rd peak of the day. Buckskin as a bit "tore up" by mining and roads, but it did have great views of the Quinn River Valley to the west of north. Buckskin also has 1393 feet of prominence, so it isn't too lame.

After Buckskin, we decided to call it a day. I enjoyed the discussion again on the way back and again, it seemed like a quick drive. It was nice to enjoy a nice, warm fall day with some great guys in the mountains!

Drive 14 miles south on US 95 from the Oregon border to FR 084. This road was signed "Buckskin Canyon Road". Follow this road about 25 miles to Hinkey Summit. This road is steep in places, but seemed well maintained. A passenger car should have no problem getting to Hinkey Summit. From the summit, you can save a bit of elevation gain and mileage, by following FR 536. This road will require high clearance and will take you to 8740. We called it good at an aspen grove around 8400 feet.

Head west, the peak is visible, just hike toward it!

Need to get mileage and route off watch!