Backpacker Magazine – November 2010

Best Hikes Ever: Duffer Peak Trail, NV

Ascend a remote summit pyramid far away from civilization.

by: Dave Pidgeon

Tags:
• Nevada
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• Duffer Peak Trail
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• Destinations
|

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Boasting fairy-tale castles and waterworks fit for emperors, Vegas sponges up most of Nevada’s tourist attention. We even peg most of our hikes as drivable from the Strip. But up north, we’ve discovered a peak with symmetry fit for a pharaoh: 9,397-foot Duffer Peak. Snow lingers until May, and views stretch into southern Oregon. Best part: The nearest town (Winnemucca) is more than 100 miles away by car; this is isolation at its best. This 7.6-mile, out-and-back trip starts from the Little Onion Reservoir (camping available). The path follows Alder Creek up the western slope of Duffer through quaking aspen and high meadows to an exposed ridge with fridge-size boulders leading to the top.

Maps USGS quads Knott Creek and Duffer Peak

Contact (775) 623-1500; blm.gov


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