desertislands.org (Exploring the Great Basin!)

Mt. Moriah
White Pine County, Nevada

The Mt. Moriah Trailhead

Ryan and I have visited Mt. Moriah and the northern Snake Range on several occasions. We consider this area among the best examples of “Desert Islands” the Great Basin has to offer. The scenery, solitude, and splendor are hard to beat.

On a recent trip I was accompanied by eight Boy Scouts. Unlike previous visits, the weather conditions were perfect, and the hike to the top was not only successful, but one of the most spectacular days in memory.

Mt. Moriah from Fourmile Road

Following are photographs taken during this two day odyssey to the 12,050 ft. summit.

Wheeler Peak, looking south from near Moriah

A well graded gravel road heading north into the Spring Valley leaves Nevada Highway 50 just west of Sacramento pass. Follow this road roughly 20 miles or so, looking for Fourmile road, heading east into the range. On most maps, the road is labeled “Marble Wash Road”, but the road itself is marked with a wooden sign identifying it as “Fourmile”.

A sturdy 4X4 vehicle or ATV will get you up the steep, rocky slope of the range. Nothing else will do—take my word for it. An accompanying Scoutmaster in a Ford F250 Powerstroke lost his transmission about one third of the way up. I ended up going back down twice to collect supplies and passengers in my Dodge Ramcharger (which I didn’t think would get me up the first time, let alone a second and a third). This is a road that also makes you acutely aware of the value of a good set of tires.

Once atop the west face of the range, your senses are treated to a dramatic, refreshing change. It’s like stepping into an entirely different world. After one or two bends in the road, your first view of Moriah will be nothing short of amazing. Stop. Take it in. Savor it.

About six miles or so of rolling meadows, firs and aspens, and spectacular views of neighboring Wheeler Peak will soften the blow of the rutted and bumpy road beneath you.

Near the end of the road, look off to the left for a natural spring which has been piped into two tractor tires. In most circumstances, drinking water from springs is risky. This particular spring was built by the Eldredge family, local ranchers (and great folks), who assured me that the water was potable. It is not only potable, but the best, cleanest, coldest water that has ever touched my tongue.

The proximity of the water source to the trailhead is also fortuitous. Fill up every container you plan to carry—and a jug or two for the trip home. When you get home and take your first drink from the tap, you’ll know what I mean.

Several camping options are available in close proximity to the trailhead. Pick one and acclimate for a day before the hike.

Following are several photographs taken along the trail.

The "Table"

The Table is an expansive flat area at the base of the peak. An hour or two here is time well-spent.

The "Table"

Nearing the summit

Stands of ancient Bristlcone Pines

Mt. Moriah is a hike you’ll not soon forget and may, in fact, repeat several times. Don’t miss it.

Following is a note from a site visitor who visited Mt. Moriah just before we did, Patrick McConnell, from San Diego, California. He included the three photos below. Thank you, Pat!

"My two friends and myself really enjoyed Moriah. The entire place was ours! The weather was unsettled in the afternoons, but nice in the mornings. We packed in from the Hendry's Cr. trailhead. I was so freakin amazed by the beauty of the place (really striking on the way back down Hendry's Creek), that I've absolutely got to go back. Also of note was the health of the forests. Seemed like a lot less untimely death was happening there than at Jarbidge, and many other places in the west. We didn't have the energy to make it to the top...that was a fifteen mile day (21 June)."

Patrick and friend in Hendry's Creek Canyon, a recommended alternative to the trailhead we used. Approach this trailhead by heading north from the Border Inn on the Gandy road and follow the signs.

When people ask me why I like the Great Basin so much, it is usually because they have never left the highway. From now on, when I’m asked that question, I’ll tell them to go to Mt. Moriah to find out for themselves. Please contact us if you have any questions about this area or would like large format photographs for your personal use.

Oh… and the scouts LOVED the place. Moriah is most definitely one of our favorites. We'll be back!

Happy Trials, Dave

By the way: There are alternative routes to the peak. Hendy's creek, flowing off the east slope, is a longer hike, but reportedly just as spectacular. For an overnighter with packs, this would be a good choice.

Location: White Pine County, NV
Highest Point: North-Mt. Moriah, 12,0507ft. (3,678.02 meters).
Nearest Town: Baker, NV Access: US 6/50 northwest from Baker, NV or east from Ely, NV

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