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- North Schell Peak
11,883 ft · Schell Creek Range, Nevada
North Schell Peak
North Schell Peak is an 11,883 ft peak in the Schell Creek Range, Nevada. The standard route is the Timber Creek Trail: 8 mi, 3,100 ft of gain, Class 2.
North Schell Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,883 ft3,621 m
- RouteTimber Creek TrailClass 2
- Distance8 mi3,100 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSchell Creek RangeNevada
Climbing the Timber Creek Trail
From Ely, Nevada, take US-93 north and follow dirt roads to the Timber Creek Campground in the Schell Creek Range; high clearance helps on the approach. The Timber Creek Trail is a Class 2 climb through forest and open basin to the summit ridge of North Schell Peak. Expect thin air, loose rock, and snow lingering near the top into early summer. Storms and strong wind build quickly on the exposed crest, so start early and summit before afternoon weather. This is quiet, remote country with no services, so carry ample water, navigation, and warm layers, and be ready to retreat if clouds gather.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
Quests with North Schell Peak
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is North Schell Peak?
North Schell Peak is 11,883 feet (3,621 m) tall. It is in the Schell Creek Range, Nevada.
How hard is it to hike North Schell Peak?
The Timber Creek Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike North Schell Peak?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Timber Creek Trail, covering 8 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike North Schell Peak?
The Timber Creek Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking North Schell Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike North Schell Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for North Schell Peak?
The Timber Creek Trail starts at about 8,770 feet, roughly 3,113 feet below the summit.
Climb North Schell Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list