Hole in the Mountain Peak Road
Natural window frames the Great Basin
Hole in the Mountain Peak Road tackles one of Nevada’s most distinctive landmarks — a natural window carved through solid limestone that frames the vast Great Basin like a geological picture frame. This gnarly 12-mile climb starts in Currant Creek Canyon and switchbacks up loose shale and embedded rock to 8,300 feet, where hikers can walk through the famous hole itself. The road demands respect with narrow ledges, loose rock slides, and sections that’ll test your spotter’s nerves as much as your rig’s capability.
Difficult rating earned through steep grades, technical rock sections, and zero room for error on exposed ridges. Requires experienced 4WD with skid plates, tow points, and a capable spotter for the worst sections. Best tackled May through September when snow clears the high country. No services, no cell coverage, and rescue could take days. What you get is bragging rights to one of Nevada’s most photographed geological features and views that stretch across three states from the loneliest road in America.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 12 mi / 19.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8300 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with skids |
| Nearest town | Ely, Nevada |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner do this trail?
No, you need a built 4WD with skid plates minimum. The rock surfaces and technical climbs will tear up stock protection and potentially damage your oil pan or transfer case.
Is the trail passable in winter?
No, winter access is not recommended due to snow and ice at 8300 feet elevation. Best season is May through September when conditions are dry.
Do I need permits to drive Hole in the Mountain Peak Road?
No permits required - it's on BLM land and open to public 4x4 use. Just follow Leave No Trace principles.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The final technical rock climb to reach the peak at 8300 feet. Expect steep grades over loose rock with limited room for error and no cell service for recovery calls.
Are there good dispersed camping spots along the route?
Yes, several flat spots exist along the trail for dispersed camping. Camp early since you'll have zero cell service to coordinate with your group once you're committed to the route.