Tikaboo Peak
Tikaboo Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.097m (6,879ft) above the sea level, located in Lincoln County, in the U.S. state of Nevada. The peak is widely considered the best remaining legal point from which the public may directly view the very secretive Area 51.
The rough road to the summit is gravel, rocky, and sandy at times. It’s called Badger Valley Road. Great trail for experienced wheelers. The dirt road has deteriorated considerably in recent years. It’s very sandy and deeply rutted. Getting stuck in sand on the access road is your greatest risk. You need an SUV or other high-clearance vehicle. Do not stop your car in the sand or you might never move again. Keep moving briskly over sandy patches or you could get stuck.
Located in the Badger Mountain, which is part of the Pahranagat Range, the road ends in a parking space inbetween trees off the side of the trail to Tikaboo Peak. Driving at night, or in poor visibility, is not recommended for drivers unfamiliar with the road. Between November and March (early April), snow prevents any access to the peak. Road conditions are always changing. The road can also be impassable when the snow melts in April and is replaced by mud. Thunderstorm activity can quickly change conditions or make it impassable. The danger of breaking down is greater in the winter or early spring when snow or mud might trap you on final five miles of the access road. Adverse weather conditions can prompt closure of the road. It can often be treacherous. Nighttime temperatures fall well below freezing.
The trail has some steep climbs and requires 4WD. The ride is rather remote, so you need to be prepared. In case of a breakdown, there is very little in the way of passing traffic or inhabitants around, and no cell phone service in parts. Bring plenty of drinking water and food, as well as tools for minor repairs and at least one good spare tire. In spring and fall the nights can be very cold, even if it is hot in the valley.
Pic&video: Maestro Agnew