"Virginia Peak, Nevada" Waymark

Long Description:
At an elevation of 8367', Virginia Peak is the highest point of the Pah Rah Mountain Range, located in western Nevada. It is a north-south running ridge, approximately 20 miles long, and is wholly in Washoe County. It is bounded to the south and east by the Truckee River, to which its surface runoff from south and east slopes flow, and to the west by Palomino Valley, which is the northernmost suburb of Reno. To the north, a low pass separates the Pah Rah Range from the Virginia Range.

The principal peaks (in order from south to north) are Pond Peak (elevation 8035 feet), Virginia Peak (elevation 8367 feet), and Pah Rah Peak (elevation 8249 feet). Both Pond Peak and Virginia Peak host several radio towers. Virginia Peak is also the site of a NEXRAD national doppler radar station (KRGX).

"Pah Rah" is a Paiute indian term which translates roughly to "Lake Mountain". This term applies to the Virginia Range better as it borders the southwest side of Pyramid Lake. This apparent mix-up is likely due to confusion on the part of the early surveyors of the region.

Virginia Peak lies approximately 25 airline miles northeast of downtown Reno. Thanks to the number of radio towers in the area, access by road is possible to within 75 yards of the peak. A two-wheel drive vehicle with some ground clearance will be able to take you the entire way in good weather. To reach the peak From Interstate 80 in Reno / Sparks, proceed as follows:

* Exit I-80 at Exit 18, Pyramid Way (State Highway 445) and proceed north on Pyramid Way / Pyramid Lake Highway for approximately 18.5 miles.
*Turn right (east) near the BLM wild horse adoption center onto Ironwood Road. Follow the main traveled road for approximately 5 miles to a "T" intersection with Amy Road.
*Turn right (south) on Amy Road and travel approximately .4 miles to Wilcox Ranch Road. Bear left (southeast) onto Wilcox Ranch Road.
*Continue southeast on Wilcox Ranch Road for approximately 2.5 miles, then bear left (east-southeast) onto Quaking Aspen Road. Continue in a general easterly direction for approximately 3.4 miles.
*Bear left onto Microwave Road. Continue on main traveled road for approximately 6 miles to a saddle ridge along the top of the mountain range. The doppler radar tower will be to your right (south) at this point.
*Turn left (north) and follow the road approximately 200 yards until it ends at a microwave antenna site. Park in the gravel area and proceed on foot approximately 75 yards east-southeast to the peak.

The peak is marked by a large rock cairn. A summit log is stored in a glass jar under a rock at the top of the cairn. Use caution while climbing the cairn, as it is nearly 10 feet tall.

Altitude in Feet: 8367

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.