Kumiva Peak

Overview

Kumiva Peak is the highest point in the Selenite Range of Northern Nevada, and the views from the summit are expansive. On a clear day, you can see major peaks in all quadrants, including Matterhorn Peak in the Sierra Nevada, Mt. Dana in Yosemite, Wheeler Peak, Mt. Lassen, Mt. Grant, Granite Peak, the Toiyabes, and about 60 other major peaks. Kumiva is not often climbed, the summit register had maybe 30 entries since 1992, so you are not likely to encounter tourists here. Kumiva is not a 'major world peak', but it is a major regional peak, and worth the attempt.

Getting There

The closest metro area to Kumiva Peak is Reno, Nevada, so the directions will be from there. It is advisable to depart Reno with plenty of fuel. Leave Reno via I-80 eastbound, and drive about 30 miles to exit 43, Wadsworth/Pyramid Lake NV-427, and exit here. Continue on toward Wadsworth, and watch for NV-447 to take a left turn. Set your odometer, and travel 57 miles, passing through Nixon. As you approach 57 miles, watch for Kumiva Peak on the right, and a small dirt road (moderate to high clearance vehicle recommended). Immediately after gaining the dirt road, you must pass through a gate, be sure and close it after yourself, and follow the road to the start of your planned route. This is the access to the west side routes only. For the east side routes, which I am not familiar with, you would need to continue eastbound on I-80 to the Toulon exit, and follow this road into the Kumiva Valley, and then to the base of the peak. From Reno, this is a much further approach, but might be closer if you are arriving from the east.

Red Tape

There is no red tape. Just don't leave the gate on the access road open, as there are some cattle here and there on flats below the peak. The land is "managed" by the BLM, and you may camp anywhere you choose, park anywhere you choose, and pretty much have the place to yourself.

When To Climb

This peak may be climbed at any time of the year, and winter is probably the preferred season. This peak is in the desert, and doesn't usually receive much precip, but the precip that does fall tends to stick around on the north slopes. There is a lot of sand associated with this peak, and it is much easier to climb when it is wet, and your best chance for that is winter. During periods of high pressure, you will find temps in the 20's overnight, with a rebound to daytime temps in the 50's and 60's on the slopes with a sunny aspect. Summer will bring temps averaging in the low to mid 90's at the base, maybe down to the mid 80's on top.

Camping

As stated above, the peak and its environs are on public land, and there are no restrictions to camping in the area. Find a flat spot, pull off and camp. There are no fees involved, there are no huts, and, fortunately, there are very few people around.

Mountain Conditions

I am not aware of any source of current mountain conditions.

Images

View Kumiva Peak Image Gallery - 24 Images