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Elevation: 7,967 ft 2,428 m
GPS: 41.66886, -117.54578
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views: 18,773 total · 290/month
Shared By: James Garrett on Jun 19, 2019 · Updates
Admins: Lurk Er, Justin Johnsen

Description Suggest change

The "Alpine area" (Hinkey Summit is 7850 ft) is home to innumerous granitic/welded tuff domes, towers, and outcroppings. Despite its easy access, it seems largely unexplored and undeveloped from a rock climbers perspective. Camping is available at Lye Creek Campground just 3 miles north of Hinkey Summit. This is an unexpectedly beautiful place with a lifetime of climbs waiting to be done. This area has some private inholdings, but is largely managed by the US Forest Service and the local managers are very friendly and accommodating.

Getting There Suggest change

From the center of Winnemucca, drive to Melarkey Avenue (I kid you not!) and then drive north out of town (this road eventually becomes Hwy 95) for about 22 miles. Turn right at this intersection onto Hwy 290. There is a Sinclair gas station here that is the last real stop for gas, snacks, samosas, beer, and a flush toilet. Head east on Hwy 290 for about 18 miles until you reach the town of Paradise Valley. 

Paradise Valley is a wonderful ghost town-like little town, only it is inhabited and the one remaining local establishment, the saloon, simply rocks. They provide excellent dining and a wonderful cowboy bar atmosphere with steak nights on most Saturdays (call ahead earlier in the week for reservations).

At the north end of town, take a right at the T intersection. Then drive across the bridge and turn left (north) following signs for Hinkey Summit. 

After 3 miles, the pavement ends and you'll follow at least a dozen switchbacks up a good unpaved road. 

In the early spring, lingering snow may restrict access. Some of the crags are 10 miles up the road and the furthest crag is 18 miles. Hikes range anywhere from 3-20 minutes.

21 Total Climbs

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Location: Paradise Valley Change
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Classic Climbing Routes at Paradise Valley

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 8
Solid Silver
Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 4
The Belly Button
Sport, Alpine 2 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 5
Melarkey Street
Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 11
Paiute Pockets
Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 5
Splooty
Sport, TR, Alpine
5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b
 5
The Dream Machine
Sport, Alpine 4 pitches
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 5
Basque-ing in the Sun
Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b
 6
John Cena Memorial Route
Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b
 6
Blue Eyes
Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Solid Silver Hinkey Summit
 8
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
The Belly Button Hinkey Summit
 4
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, Alpine 2 pitches
Melarkey Street Cleft
 5
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
Paiute Pockets Cleft
 11
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
Splooty Cleft
 5
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport, TR, Alpine
The Dream Machine Cleft
 5
5.10a/b 6a+ 19 VI+ 19 E2 5b Sport, Alpine 4 pitches
Basque-ing in the Sun Hinkey Summit
 5
5.10b/c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
John Cena Memorial Route Cleft
 6
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
Blue Eyes Cleft
 6
5.10d 6b+ 21 VII+ 21 E3 5b Sport, Alpine 5 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Paradise Valley »

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