Borderline Route

Overview

This is a cross-desert trek of about 7 miles each way, ending with a 1000-foot climb up a small mountain. The terrain is fairly flat desert with several short rock scrambles that require no technical skill. You should start the hike very early in the morning to avoid hiking back in darkness (when the No Trespassing signs become invisible).

The following description is based on two hikes taken in 1995. Most of the details are from memory.

Topographic maps are essential for this hike. The two quads are Niavi Wash and Mercury.

Although there are no major obstables or difficulties along this route, the hike is very long long and the location remote. The hike is recommended only for people who have previous experience in long desert hikes. This 14-mile hike is probably equivalent to a 20 mile trail hike due to the sandy footing in places.

Approach

From I-15 in Las Veges, go north on the US-95 freeway (Reno direction). Continue for about 60 (?) miles until you pass the Nye County Line (marked on highway). About 5 miles after the county line, look for power lines crossing the highway. (This is about 1/2 mile before the highway exit for Mercury.) This is also the place where a culvert passes under the highway, and where microwave towers can be seen on a hilltop to the north. Just after passing over the culvert, turn off the pavement on the right and park as far off the pavement as your vehicle will allow. 4WDs can park in the culvert itself if you don't want to be seen.
Parallel to the highway near the culvert is a cattle fence, and there is gate in the fence where dirt road heads in the direction of the powerlines and the microwave towers. This gate is usually locked, with a chain and padlock, although there is no legal basis for anyone locking it.

I have researched the question of who is locking the gate and why. The land just beyond the gate is under BLM control. In 1995, I contacted them about it, and they say that there is no legal grounds for the gate to be locked. They believed that the state Highway Department was locking the gate and seemed to suggest that there were some long-running disputes between these agencies. I was unable to contact anyone at the Highway Department who knew anything about this. Although I never found out who was locking the gate, I felt comfortable bringing a bolt cutter and cutting the lock, replacing it with a removable clip.

If you can pass through the gate, you can drive at least 1/2 mile closer to the microwave towers in a high-clearance vehicle, and all the way to the base of the microwave towers going cross-country in a 4WD. (The following instructions assume that you have parked on the outside of the gate near the highway.)

Route Description

This is an unmarked cross country route. Your aim is to follow the north-running border of the Nevada Test Site. (By following close to the border, you avoid the deeper ravines and more rugged hills to the east.) The border is marked with signs at regular intervals but no fence. The signs are easy to see during the day but not at night.

The location of the north-south border coincides with the microwave installation on the hill (called Radar Hill). On some maps the border runs through the middle of the radio installation, but on others (and according to the signs), the border is just to the left (west) of the radio installation, so the facility itself is on public land.

From the gate near the highway, follow the dirt road north for about 0.1 mile until it intersects with a rough paved road that parallels the power lines. Follow this paved road for about 1/2 mile until it intersects with the Test Site boundary, which should be marked with a No Trespassing sign. (Be careful not to miss it!)

At this point, you should be able to see a line of No Trespassing signs heading north. Follow these signs for about 1 mile toward Radar Hill, being careful to stay east of the line. As you approach the base of Radar Hill, follow a wash to the east to get to a lower saddle just east of the radio facilities (start here). Climb to the top of the saddle (an easy rock scramble) and then to the top of Radar Hill. Here, you will find a maintained road leading downhill toward the administrative town of Mercury (inside the Test Site). Follow the road until it crosses the boundary again, then continue following the line of No Trespassing signs northward.

You will probably need a topographic map to make sure you find Mt. Cury. After you have hiked along the second leg of the border for about 2 miles, you will cross a dirt road (here) which heads east-northeast to the base of Mt. Cury. (start here) If you come to a gate in a narrow ravine, Cury is the hill to the left, and you may want to back up about 0.1 mile for a better approach.

You will have to scramble up Cury itself. The elevation gain is about 1000 feet from the road.

Essential Gear

Water, water, water!

This cross-desert trek is long, and if you hike in the summer and late spring, you will need a lot of water -- possible 3 gallons -- caching it along the way. In the winter, cold is the major issue. Light snow and biting winds are possible. Dress accordingly. Spring and Fall are probably the best times to hike, when you don't need a lot of water or heavy clothes.

Sun protection is a must, any time of year.

Bring a flashlight in case you end up hiking back after dark. A GPS would also be useful to avoid wandering across the border at night.