Home > Trip Reports > Jan 1, 2016, Gambling on Pilot Peak, Pilot Range NV

Jan 1, 2016, Gambling on Pilot Peak, Pilot Range NV

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Posted by jtrue on 1/4/16 1:00pm
Pilot Peak is the highest mountain in the Pilot Range in eastern Elko County, Nevada, just over the UT state line, right next to Wendover.  It is the most topographically prominent peak in Elko County and the fourth-most prominent peak in Nevada, rising to an elevation of 10,720 ft towering above the Great Basin. 
Our buddy Derek mentioned the peak to both myself and Mark, didn't take too much prodding and we planned a quick trip New Years day.  It was 4 of us, myself, Mark, Ian, and Layne. 

As we drove out of town we were reminded of the peaks just out the front door, but hey we've skied it before and needed an adventure.


Pilot peak coming into view, we were really starting to question if there was enough snow to ski


Looking better!


We drove as far as my Jeep would take us to around 6,300 feet and started skinning from there


The Great Basin at our backs


After a thousand feet of climbing we reached the alpine and things started to look even better, Ian breaking MarkH following


Still climbing, the views through the old growth did not suck


As we continue to ascend the wind started to pick up and was gusting to 30mph by the time we hit the ridge.  We all scrambled to the top as quickly as possibly and jumped into a nicely built windbreak.  We estimated the windchill to be around -20, COLD!


Myself and Layne psyched to be up top


We sat around for a bit, snacked and took in the views.  Shots from the top...






Now time to SKI, but first a jog down from the summit without blowing away.


Mark taking his turn


Ian next


Layne slashing one for the camera


Now mine


We skied down about 3000 feet and decided to lap another zone that split off to the right, might as well since we are in the area!  Ian and Layne headed up


Some parting shots of the skiing, since that's what we are here for









Trudging back to the car, good day out!
Nice Jason! Gotta get you out to the PNW this spring.

author=skier8484 link=topic=35336.msg144785#msg144785 date=1451974458]
Nice Jason! Gotta get you out to the PNW this spring.


Agreed, your last trip looked awesome.  Let's work on some dates!

Absolutely love it!  N/NE aspects???  Intriguing...such a big isolated mtn with such minor wind effect.
Makes me wanna buy the tiny house trailer and set off. 
Are the home hills Wasatch, then?
Post more esoteric adventures, please.
J

What a great trip, I sure know what you mean, with all kind of interesting objectives in your back yard! It sure is fun to go some place exotic, and Pilot Peak sure fits that bill! As I'm sure you know the Great Basin is full of those little gems. Thanks for the great post.

Stop wondering, start skinning. Thanks for posting!

Thanks all, definitely fun to get out and explore, not knowing exactly what the day will bring is a huge part of it for me.  Will be trying to get out of the pen this winter to explore some other hidden gems.

Good work Jtrue! I miss the Great Basin so much! Seems like they are getting enough snow for some skiing this winter so far. Fantastic!


Wow you climbed and skied Pilot Peak!  Well done.  I once worked as a bartender in a casino in Wendover during the off season in Utah and looked up at that mighty geographical high point above the salt flats and wondered what it would look like in a winter coat.

I've been there because I'm kind of a casino addict. I love gambling and I started a new, bad addiction and that is betting. Nagaworld signed an agreement with Kmabi regarding sports betting and those were pretty great news for me. Before I take any decision I always consult different websites that specialize in this prediction. To be honest, from what I've observed, Nagaworld has some pretty low odds and I was a little disappointed by it. I tried it twice and both times I lost the bet so I don't really advise you to trust only one site. Today I'm searching for some MBL Picks on americanodds.com.


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