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- Pilot Peak
10,716 ft · Pilot Range, Nevada
Pilot Peak
Pilot Peak is a 10,716 ft peak in the Pilot Range, Nevada. The standard route is the Miners Canyon Route: 5 mi, 4,406 ft of gain, Class 2.
Pilot Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,716 ft3,266 m
- RouteMiners Canyon RouteClass 2
- Distance5 mi4,406 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangePilot RangeNevada
Climbing the Miners Canyon Route
Near Wendover on the Nevada and Utah border, follow remote dirt roads to the Miners Canyon approach in the Pilot Range; high clearance is recommended. The route is a short but very steep Class 2 climb, gaining serious elevation quickly to this historic pioneer landmark summit. Expect loose rock, steep exposure, and lingering snow near the top, with fast storms and strong wind on the exposed peak. There are no services and little water, so carry everything you need. Start early, bring navigation, and pace the steep grade. The isolation and big gain make this a tougher day than the short mileage suggests.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
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
- Steep exposure
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
- Altitude sickness
Quests with Pilot Peak
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pilot Peak?
Pilot Peak is 10,716 feet (3,266 m) tall. It is in the Pilot Range, Nevada.
How hard is it to hike Pilot Peak?
The Miners Canyon Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 5 miles with 4,406 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Pilot Peak?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Miners Canyon Route, covering 5 miles with 4,406 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Pilot Peak?
The Miners Canyon Route needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 5 miles with 4,406 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 Pilot 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 Pilot Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Pilot Peak?
The Miners Canyon Route starts at about 6,270 feet, roughly 4,446 feet below the summit.
Climb Pilot 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