Monument Peak, Elko, Elko County, Nevada

About 16 miles north of Elko, Nevada, just off the Mountain City Highway, is Monument Peak. Having visited Monument Valley in Arizona, it peaked my interest (pun intended) when I ran across the name on the topographic map. So last weekend my boy Harry and I went to see if it lived up to its cousin. To be honest ... it lacks grandeur. But the area taken as a whole is truly remarkable. I wonder who gave this peak its name? I wonder who built the rock cairn at the top of the peak? Like most spots I have visited in northeastern Nevada I have been left with more questions than answers. If you wish to add more ... just let me know.

Monument Peak in center of photo, with the trail leading to it. The larger snow covered mountain in the distance is Lone Mountain.

Looking northwest at Monument Peak. Lone Mountain is in the distance.

Looking southeast at Monument Peak (northwest slope)

Rock outcrops at the top of Monument Peak.

Rock cairn at the top of Monument Peak. Lone Mountain is in the distance.

Looking northwest from the top of Monument Peak. Lone Mountain is in the distance, the windmill is on the right side of the photograph.

Close-up of windmill.

Rock samples, fresh surface and weathered, taken from the top of Monument Peak. They are classed as "Tertiary Andesite Flows and Flows of Intermediate Composition" (Geologic Map of North-Central Nevada, 1976)

Prickly Pear (?) cactus plant on Monument Peak

Lichens growing on rocks at top of Monument Peak

Links

Rip Van Winkle Mine, Lone Mountain, Elko County, Nv

Meteorite Impact Field, Elko County, Nv

Geologic Map of North-Central Nevada, Compiled by John H. Stewart and John E. Carlson, 1976, Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Scale 1:250,000