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Elevation: 7,967 ft 2,428 m
GPS: 41.66886, -117.54578
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Shared By: James Garrett on Nov 8, 2020 · Updates
Admins: Lurk Er, Justin Johnsen

Hinkey Summit (aka Hinkey Hop) Suggest change

Hinkey Summit is technically the name of the mountain pass at the northern extent of Paradise Valley. However, the closest rock formation is also called Hinkey Summit.

The Hinkey Summit rock formation cannot be missed with its huge distinctive arch on the northern side and large, shallow cave in the middle of the wall (the Belly Button route). 

If your crew is just single-pitch craggin', Hinkey Summit is a really great option. It currently has a 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, two 5.9s, 5.10a, 5.10b, and a 5.11a. There is a little something here for everybody, including several multi-pitch routes if you want to get high!

The approach to the base of the climbing wall is extremely easy and takes just a few minutes.

Recommended descent for Solid Silver, Don't Call me White, and Time Collapse (if topping out) is the walk off via the backside to the east, following the 4x4 road down. The only descent option for Basque-ing in the Sun is rappelling the route.

Getting There Suggest change

From Winnemucca drive north via Melarkey Street (I kid you not!) and continue north on Hwy 95 for about 22 miles until you reach the Sinclair gas station on your right (last stop for gas, beer, snacks, toilet, etc.). Turn east onto Hwy 290 and drive about 18 miles to the quaint little town of Paradise Valley. Be sure to swing by the Paradise Valley Saloon at some point on your journey, it's an unique cowboy bar experience that has delicious burgers, Basque Picon drinks, and an amazing steak night most Saturday nights (call ahead for reservations). At the north end of town, take a right at the T in the road. Cross the little bridge and take an immediate left (north) onto the Hinkey Summit Road (NF-084). Follow this road for about 14.5 miles to Hinkey Summit (pavement end after the first 3 miles). The gravel road is long, winding, and a bumpy in places, but doable with most vehicles. Driving time from Winnemucca is about an hour.

Hinkey Summit Parking Coordinates: 41.670423°, -117.547140°. 

CAMPING: Lye Creek Campground is a nice campground that is located just 3 miles north of Hinkey Summit. It is $8/night and is maintained by the Forest Service. It has potable water, pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/humboldt-toiyabe/recreation/lye-creek-campground

9 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Hinkey Summit

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b
 12
● Solid Silver
Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c
 8
● Belly Button
Sport, Alpine 2 pitches
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a
 5
● MuccLovin
Sport, Alpine
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 10
● Basque-ing in the Sun
Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b
 6
● Lucky Pair a Dice
Sport, Alpine
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b PG13
 4
● Don't Call Me White
Sport, Alpine 4 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
● Solid Silver
 12
5.6 4c 14 V 12 S 4b Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
● Belly Button
 8
5.8 5b 16 VI- 15 HVS 4c Sport, Alpine 2 pitches
● MuccLovin
 5
5.9 5c 17 VI 17 HVS 5a Sport, Alpine
● Basque-ing in the Sun
 10
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport, Alpine 3 pitches
● Lucky Pair a Dice
 6
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b Sport, Alpine
● Don't Call Me White
 4
5.10+ 6b+ 21 VII+ 20 E3 5b PG13 Sport, Alpine 4 pitches
More Classic Climbs in Hinkey Summit »

Sun & Shade Suggest change

Routes Mostly Face: Southwest · West
Sunny Roughly 11am to 6pm during high season
6am
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