Pilot Peak (Nevada) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pilot Peak |
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Aerial view of Pilot Peak
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 10,720 ft (3,267 m) |
| Prominence | 5,726 ft (1,745 m) |
| Listing | |
| Geography | |
 Pilot Peak
Location in Nevada
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| Location | Elko County, Nevada, U.S. |
| Parent range | Pilot Range |
| Topo map | USGS Pilot Peak |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Class 2 scramble from Miners Canyon |
| Reference #: | 46 |
Pilot Peak is a very tall mountain in eastern Nevada, United States. In the Shoshoni language, its name is Waahkai. It is the highest point in the Pilot Range. This mountain is also one of the most important peaks in Nevada because of how much it stands out from the land around it. Pilot Peak is on public land, so people can visit it freely.
Pilot Peak's History
Pilot Peak got its name in 1845 because it was an easy landmark to spot. Explorers used it to guide their way.
John C. Fremont's Expedition
John C. Fremont saw the peak in 1845 during his third trip to map the Great Basin. He wondered if his group could cross the desert. He sent Kit Carson ahead to find water. Carson found a spring east of the peak. He lit a big bonfire, and the smoke told Fremont that they could cross the desert.
The Donner Party's Journey
In 1846, the Donner Party also used Pilot Peak as a guide. They were crossing the Great Salt Lake Desert on their way to California. They ran out of water and had to leave their wagons and animals behind. They walked to the springs at the base of the peak, now called Donner Springs. Later, they got most of their animals and wagons back. They then continued their journey toward the Sierra Nevada mountains.
