Hole in the Mountain Peak
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Hole in the Mountain Peak is located in the East Humboldt Mountain range in Northeastern Nevada between the communities of Elko and Wells. The East Humboldts are an extension of the Ruby Mountains to the south and both ranges are often thought to be the Ruby Mountains only. Hole in the Mountain Peak is the highest peak in the East Humboldts at 11,306 feet but the Peak is not the same peak that contains the Window. The elevation of the Window peak is given as 11,127 feet and is just a short distance south of Hole in the Mountain Peak. (The USGS Mapping Service gives a variant name for Hole in the Mountain Peak as Mount Bonpland or Mount Bonplant. The only reference that can be found to the name Mount Bonpland refers to a mountain in New Zealand with an elevation of about 7700 feet.)
Commonly called Hole in the Mountain or Lizzie’s Window, the Window can be seen from both I-80 on the west side of the mountains and from Highway 93 between Wells and Ely on the east side of the mountains. Hiking or climbing to the Window or to the Peak can be attempted from either Starr Valley on the west side or from Clover Valley on the east side. Climbing to the Window from Starr Valley is the easier of the two once you have reached the basin right below the Window. However the route to the basin is long, generally unknown, and is best accomplished on horseback with an outfitter in the area. After reaching the basin the round trip to the Window can usually be accomplished within two hours.
Climbing to the Window from Clover Valley is considerably more difficult but the Window is constantly in view and much closer which may give the difficulty factor a deceptive appearance. But with an appropriate 4-WD vehicle, the hiking distance before starting the climb is much less than the hiking distance when starting from Starr Valley.
Clover Valley is reached by driving south from Wells on US Highway 93 and five miles later turning onto State Route 232 to Clover Valley. Six miles later look for the Week's Creek Canyon turnoff sign on the right. This is a public access road that will lead to Lizzie's Basin and farther into the mountain towards Hole in the Mountain basin. Continue as far up the two wheel track road as your vehicle will take you. There are no trails so you must determine your own best route up the mountain. It will be immediately apparent that any direct route to the Window is a very difficult task, even dangerous.
Instead, make your way up to Hole in the Mountain Peak, located a short distance to the north and an easier climb, and then make the approach to the Window from the opposite side of the mountain.
For more Hole in the Mountain information and photos, visit websites and http://holeinthemountain.rubymountains.com/
