TV Hill: Driving to the 10,291ft summit in Nevada's Wassuk Range
Reaching a staggering elevation of 3,137m (10,291ft) above sea level, TV Hill is a high mountain peak located in Mineral County, within the rugged wilderness of Nevada. As one of the highest roads in Nevada, this summit offers an extreme off-road experience for those looking to reach the heights of the Great Basin Desert.
| Road facts: TV Hill | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mineral County, Nevada, USA |
| Elevation | 3,137 m (10,291 ft) |
| Length | 7.24 km (4.5 miles) |
| Range | Wassuk Range |
| Vehicle Required | 4x4 High Clearance |
Where is TV Hill located?
The peak is situated in the western part of Nevada, dominating the skyline near the town of Hawthorne. It sits just east of Cory Peak, another giant of the region. The geography here is typical of the high Nevada desert: steep, barren slopes and wide-open vistas that stretch for miles. Reaching the base of the climb requires navigating through remote forest service roads that demand a good sense of direction and a reliable vehicle.
Why is it called TV Hill?
The name is purely functional. At the rocky summit, you will find a cluster of communication towers and antennas. These installations provide vital television and radio signals to the surrounding valleys. The road was originally blasted and carved into the mountainside specifically to allow maintenance crews and heavy machinery to install and service these towers, which explains why the track goes directly to the absolute highest point of the ridge.
Is the road to TV Hill unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved and consists of loose scree, jagged rocks, and mountain dirt. This is not a route for a standard SUV; you strictly need a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. The trail is notoriously narrow with almost no places for passing, making encounters with oncoming vehicles a stressful and dangerous challenge. The surface is often weathered by the extreme altitude conditions, creating deep ruts that require technical tire placement and low-range gearing to overcome.
How long is the road to TV Hill from Lucky Boy Pass?
The final ascent begins at the well-known Lucky Boy Pass. From this point, the road to the summit is 4.5 miles (7.24 km) long. While the distance seems short, it is very steep and slow-going. The elevation gain is rapid, and the thin air at over 10,000 feet will test your vehicle's cooling system and engine power. Most drivers will spend significantly more time on these 4.5 miles than they expect, as the terrain forces a crawling pace.
Is the road to TV Hill open in winter?
Set high in the Wassuk Range, the weather at TV Hill is unforgiving. Due to the extreme altitude, the road is usually impassable from late October through late June or early July. Snow drifts can linger in the shaded sections of the trail well into the summer months. Attempting the climb too early in the season is a guaranteed way to get stuck in deep, slushy snow with no hope of cell service. Always check local conditions in Hawthorne before attempting the drive, and be prepared for sudden mountain storms that can turn the dry dirt into a slippery mud trap.
Pic: Steven James