Disclaimers
Peak bagging and off-road travel are both physically demanding and potentially dangerous. Hazardous weather conditions can pop up at any time and can hinder the dirt roads that access these peaks. Vehicles can incur damage and recovery of a broken or damaged vehicle can be very expensive. Participants acknowledge that these hazards can exist and must accept full responsibility.
The objective peaks are all located off good county roads that should be passable to most vehicles. Still, a 4x4 with clearance is recommended in these types of areas. Please note that this is not a guided trip of any sort. You are responsible for your own transportation and foot travel on the mountains. If you would like to link up with someone for hikes or rides during the challenge, you will need to work that out with another climber. Don’t show up in a Prius and expect to have a ride to the trailhead.
There will be no lodging unless you decide to find a local motel in a nearby town. Plan to camp out under the stars. There will more than likely be no official campground which means no toilets, hookups, seating, tables, or water. Each participant will need to bring their own camping equipment, food, water, survival kits, spare tire, repair kits, and extra gasoline.
The main objective is to have fun, enjoy the camaraderie, bag a lot of peaks, and get home safely.
FAQ
What if I’ve already climbed the objective peak?
​
Well, there are no substitutes. So, if you want to go for the points part of the challenge, you will need to reclimb the peak. If you are just out here for fun, to climb some peaks, and meet some other peak baggers, you are always welcome to climb others in the area, they just won’t be scored.
What do I need to bring?
When traveling across the Great Basin, you should always plan for the worst. The currency out here is water and gasoline. I always carry enough water to last an extra 5 days and plenty of snack type foods should I get stranded. A 5-gallon can of gas is also essential.
Other important items: 1-2 spare tires, tire repair kit, ice chest, camping gear, sunscreen, rain poncho, medicine, satellite device/beacon, phone chargers, firewood, air compressor, GPS device, etc.
What do I win if I win the challenge?
The winner of the challenge will receive a patch saying they are the challenge winner for that year.
Is this a guided trip?
No, you are responsible for your own travel and hiking ability on the peaks. You may be able to partner up with another participant, which is encouraged, but you’ll have to work that out amongst yourselves.
How hard is the hiking?
There are no trails. These peaks will all be class 2 cross country travel. You may encounter old Jeep roads to follow, but you will more than likely be scrambling over rocks, crossing talus, bushwhacking, and needing to use solid route finding. You should have the PeakBagger app downloaded for navigation assistance. You should always be ready to encounter hazards on the hikes such as afternoon thunderstorms or rattlesnakes.
How do we keep track of our summits?
Since we can’t follow everyone, we are using the honor system. You will be logging your summits into PeakBagger and taking summit pics to verify. Generally true peak baggers are solid folks that take pride in this crazy lifestyle and don’t cheat.
​
If there is a road to the summit, can I drive to the top?
​
No. The peak will not count if driven. For all peaks that have a road to the top, a minimum of 2 miles roundtrip must be hiked. This will make the peak earned at least a little bit. If there is not a road to the top, any distance is ok.
​
Where will we camp?
​
We will try to find a camping area near the next day's trailhead. Nevada is mostly public lands so we will try to find a spot that can accommodate everyone in the group. From reading past trip reports, we have a good idea of places to camp, and they are described under each objective peak on The Peaks page. It goes without saying, but we will be practicing leave no trace principles.
​
What type of peaks count?
​
Only official and ranked PeakBagger listed peaks count. This means no provisional peaks or LOJ summits count towards the challenge. A ranked peak is defined as a peak with 300 feet or more of prominence. Peaks with under 300 feet of prominence do not count towards your score.
​
How are peaks scored?
​
After the objective peak is climbed, each peak afterwards that day will count towards your score. Scoring is elevation plus prominence. For example, an 8,000-foot peak with 500 feet of prominence will score 8,500 points.
​
Do I need to attend all 4 days of the challenge?
​
No, you can attend as many days as you would like.
​
Will there be Great Basin Challenge merchandise?
​
Yes, there will be an option to purchase hats, shirts, and stickers at a later date.