Dutch John Mountain in Fairview Range BLM, NV

Hike Dutch John Mountain Fairview Range BLM, NV

Class 2 4.2 miles 2200 gain 2-4 hrs Out + Back May 16, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Dutch John Mountain GPX Track

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Dutch John Mountain is an interesting-looking peak from the highway, and it ended up being a bit of steep fun with some great views. Pretty much any car can make it here (38.46384, -114.69701), but the last mile or so to the trailhead marked for this trip report is rougher and requires mid-clearance. From the end of the road, I headed through the trees directly for Dutch John Mountain. Take note of where you start, because the trees will make relocating your car on the descent difficult.

The tree dodging only lasts a short time, the live trees fading away into a burn scar consisting of some deadfall and a grassy open slope with really nice views of the peak ahead and cute hills behind. I stayed more or less within the drainage coming down from the west face of Dutch John Mountain. There was no social trail until the drainage became steep, and then I located a pretty heavily-eroded route, either by human or animal, I'm not sure. Most other hikers seem to take a more direct Class 3 route to the rim, but this involves some loose scree and an unpleasant slope. I ascended this way, and then descended on a Class 2 (only Class 2 because of the steepness) alternate route (blue line on the map). I recommend taking this route instead for both the ascent and descent.

Once on the ridge, I continued north to the summit, taking in the really nice 360 degree views.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Dutch John Mountain
8860 ft
2340 rise

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Dutch John Mountain summit visible on the left. A short jaunt through the trees.
Dutch John Mountain summit visible on the left. A short jaunt through the trees.
After the trees, a walk through a grassy slope to the drainage coming down from Dutch John's west face.
After the trees, a walk through a grassy slope to the drainage coming down from Dutch John's west face.
Within the drainage.
Within the drainage.
Somewhat within the drainage, avoiding some deadfall by keeping just left on the more clear slopes.
Somewhat within the drainage, avoiding some deadfall by keeping just left on the more clear slopes.
Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
The slope begins getting significantly more steep, and a social trail appears.
The slope begins getting significantly more steep, and a social trail appears.
Looking back down the steep slope/drainage.
Looking back down the steep slope/drainage.
The downed trees look bad, but they're not annoying like they appear in this photo. It's just a steep ascent.
The downed trees look bad, but they're not annoying like they appear in this photo. It's just a steep ascent.
Looking back as I get closer to the ridge.
Looking back as I get closer to the ridge.
Silly scree on a more direct approach route. I recommend the slightly longer option.
Silly scree on a more direct approach route. I recommend the slightly longer option.
Looking back down the less fun, Class 3 ascent to the ridge option.
Looking back down the less fun, Class 3 ascent to the ridge option.
On the ridge, Dutch John Mountain visible ahead.
On the ridge, Dutch John Mountain visible ahead.
Dutch John Mountain summit, view north.
Dutch John Mountain summit, view north.
Looking back along the ridge. The grassy weakness on the right that breaks the cliff band is the better ascent/descent option. The more direct route comes up somewhere in the middle of this photo within those cliffs.
Looking back along the ridge. The grassy weakness on the right that breaks the cliff band is the better ascent/descent option. The more direct route comes up somewhere in the middle of this photo within those cliffs.
View toward the summit as I descend on the alternate route (blue line on map).
View toward the summit as I descend on the alternate route (blue line on map).

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!