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 and to climb some peaks, 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 t-shirt and 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.