Highland Peak Loop in Highland Range BLM, NV

Hike Highland Peak Loop Highland Range BLM, NV

Class 2 6.8 miles 2300 gain 3-5 hrs Loop May 16, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Highland Peak Loop GPX Track

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Most peakbaggers will likely just want to drive to the top of Highland Peak, but that's not really my jam. For those who would prefer to drive to the summit, the road was in good shape. I know this because I ran down on the road rather thanr return on my ascent route, making this route a loop. The road to my attached trailhead was fine for any mid-clearance vehicle. I parked at a junction of the main summit approach road and a side road that leads to Connor Spring. The latter road was awful, so I was content to park at the junction and hike to Connor Spring instead. At the end of the road were the remains of an old camp, as well as what seemed to be an overgrown trail guarded by a barbed wire fence with a zig-zag opening. The trail didn't last long and I soon found myself bushwhacking a little. After about five minutes of regretting my life choices, the area opened up and the bushwhacking became minimal for the remainder of my ascent. Locating the path of least resistance was for the most part already solved by ample animal trails. In fact, it was actually pretty pleasant if you're cool with a steep slope. The views to the north as I progressed up the slope were of nice Nevada hills and enjoyable, and soon I was on Highland Peak's east ridge. The ridge was forested but didn't require any bushwhacking.

I encountered a couple of Class 2 rock outcroppings along the ridge, but they're barely worth mentioning. Highland Peak came into view, as did a baby lamb. It followed me for a quarter mile. I could have cried. I didn't know what to do, so I kept walking. My only snacks were high fructose corn syrup bars and I had no bowl to offer it water. So that was a bit of a sad moment of my morning. It was the cutest itty. Anyway, I continued along the ridge, dropping a couple hundred feet along the ridge before reascending and meeting up with the summit approach road. I took the road to the summit of Highland Peak. I continued back down the road all the way to my car via the summit road. Overall a nice little peak.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Connor Peak
9047 ft
87 rise
2
Highland Peak
9395 ft
3275 rise

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The junction where I parked. Right leads to the summit via a good dirt road, left continues to Connor Spring. I started to the left, knowing I'd be descending from the right later after summitting.
The junction where I parked. Right leads to the summit via a good dirt road, left continues to Connor Spring. I started to the left, knowing I'd be descending from the right later after summitting.
Along the road to Connor Spring.
Along the road to Connor Spring.
Just past some old abandoned camp materials at Connor Spring, I located this fence and headed through, the trail only existing for a short time.
Just past some old abandoned camp materials at Connor Spring, I located this fence and headed through, the trail only existing for a short time.
After some minor bushwhacking, the landscape opened up. I continued south, using animal trails.
After some minor bushwhacking, the landscape opened up. I continued south, using animal trails.
A nice animal trail continued through brush and up the slope.
A nice animal trail continued through brush and up the slope.
Continuing steeply up the slope to the ridge above.
Continuing steeply up the slope to the ridge above.
Looking back before the ridge at some pretty hills. My car is parked somewhere in the center of this photo in front of those hills.
Looking back before the ridge at some pretty hills. My car is parked somewhere in the center of this photo in front of those hills.
Once on the ridge, I headed west toward Highland Peak.
Once on the ridge, I headed west toward Highland Peak.
Some minor Class 2 that's easily navigable.
Some minor Class 2 that's easily navigable.
Looking back the way I came, the saddle where I joined the ridge visible on the right. My car is parked in the drainage on the far left somewhere.
Looking back the way I came, the saddle where I joined the ridge visible on the right. My car is parked in the drainage on the far left somewhere.
More minor Class 2 along the ascent ridge.
More minor Class 2 along the ascent ridge.
Looking back again.
Looking back again.
Highland Peak ahead. I continued along the ridge. There was one minor descent along the ridge, visible on the right.
Highland Peak ahead. I continued along the ridge. There was one minor descent along the ridge, visible on the right.
Highland Peak ahead.
Highland Peak ahead.
Looking back as I continue along the ridge, just below Highland Peak.
Looking back as I continue along the ridge, just below Highland Peak.
I joined the summit road and took it to the summit of Highland Peak.
I joined the summit road and took it to the summit of Highland Peak.
Highland Peak summit, view south.
Highland Peak summit, view south.
Highland Peak.
Highland Peak.
I headed down the summit road. Some nice views as I went.
I headed down the summit road. Some nice views as I went.
Looking back toward Highland Peak (center) as I continue down the road.
Looking back toward Highland Peak (center) as I continue down the road.

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!