Desatoya Mountains facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Desatoya Mountains |
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 Location in Nevada
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Desatoya Peak |
| Elevation | 3,041 m (9,977 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Nevada |
| District | Churchill and Lander counties |
| Range coordinates | 39°25′28″N 117°40′3″W / 39.42444°N 117.66750°W |
| Topo map | USGS Basque Summit |
The Desatoya Mountains are a mountain range in central Nevada, a state in the western United States. They are about 117 miles east of Reno by road. These mountains stretch from southwest to northeast. They form a border between Churchill and Lander counties. The highest point is Desatoya Peak, which is 9,978 feet (3,041 meters) tall. This peak is found near Rock Creek Canyon.
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Exploring the Desatoya Mountains
The Desatoya Mountains are surrounded by other natural features. To the south, the Paradise Range is separated by Burnt Cabin Summit. This area is near the Nye County line. It is also close to the old sites of Chalk Wells and Phonolite. To the north, the New Pass Range is separated by New Pass. This pass is located along U.S. Route 50.
Roads Through the Mountains
You can travel through the Desatoya Mountains using three main routes:
- The Old Overland Road crosses the northern part of the range. It goes through Basque Summit, which is 7,625 feet high. This road follows the historic Pony Express route. It connects Smith Creek Valley and Edwards Creek Valley.
- Nevada State Highway 722 crosses the southern part of the mountains. It goes over Carroll Summit, which is 7,425 feet high.
- Another road branches off Highway 722. It starts about three miles east of Eastgate. This road heads southeast along Buffalo Creek. It crosses the range over Buffalo Summit, which is 7,021 feet high. Buffalo Summit is south of Carroll Summit. This road eventually leads to Ione, an old county seat, by way of Phonolite.
History of the Desatoya Mountains
The Desatoya Mountains played an important role in the history of the Pony Express. This famous mail service used to deliver letters across the country. Two key Pony Express stations were located here.
The Cold Springs Pony Express Station and the Pony Express National Historic Trail are on the western side of the mountains. The Smith Creek Pony Express Station is on the eastern side. It sits at the edge of Smith Creek Valley. These stations were vital stops for riders and horses. They helped the Pony Express deliver mail quickly across the American West.
What Does Desatoya Mean?
The exact meaning and origin of the name Desatoya are a bit unclear. We know that the part 'toya' comes from the Shoshone word toyap. This word means 'mountain'.
However, the meaning of 'desa' is debated. Some people think it means 'short' or 'low'. Others believe it means 'big-black' or even 'cold'.
In earlier times, these mountains were called by different names. Some old documents refer to them as the Lookout Range. They were also called the Sedaye Mountains. The word sedaye was supposedly an Indian word. It was said to mean 'no good'.
