Montezuma s(u) by Bicycle - Velo

Montezuma s(u)

Road surfaces in Nevada are often so unpredictable - a fact that makes me appreciate the road over this summit even more, which has a very nice and predictable surface. If there is such a thing as a great gravel summit, this is it. And the desert scenery shines too.

1.START-END SOUTH:jct I95 - unsigned gravel road
2.profile stays right at this fork
3.jct with dirt road heading in a westerly direction
4.TOP,7420ft
5.jct Montezuma Well Rd - paved Silver Peak Rd
6.START-END NORTH:local low point on Silver Peak Rd, before reaching the site Alkali

Approaches

From South. There is no sign at the junction at point 1, where an unsigned dirt road leaves I95. But going over the I95 Goldfield Summit from north to south, it is the first junction after the top.

This first part of E Railroad Springs Road is a very pleasant ride through an ever changing desert ravine. Great views of flat topped Mt Jackson appear to the south, together with all sorts of inviting turnoffs to explore. The profile continues direction west. When in doubt it stays on the heavier used track. Slowly the track climbs further and enters another low ravine, with a hint of sand under the wheels, but nothing close to as debilitating as the south leading E Railroad Springs Rd.

At the next junction there is a great view of the White Mountains in California. What a contrast they make to the garden of cacti in the foreground. The profile stays right here, heading straight for Montezuma Peak.

The top is dense Juniper forest. The foot paths to Montezuma Peak on the west, and a microwave facility to the east are obvious from the well defined summit. The map labels Montezuma Spring, Montezuma Mine and the site Montezuma all close to the summit, slightly east of here. Montezuma Peak, a typical desert triangular shape, reaches 8353ft.

From North. (described downwards). A steep downhill over a remarkably non-rocky surface speeds the cyclist direction alluvial fan below. Once it is reached, it also turns out to be a viewing platform direction west and the White Mountains. Straight as an arrow the bike speeds north. The next big event in the ride is a slight change of direction, now heading more easterly towards a dry lakebed with an immense desert stretching out behind it. At the end of gravel the profile turns right onto paved Silver Peak Rd. The profile ends at a low point before the road starts climbing again direction Goldfield.

Dayride with this point as highest summit

PARTIALLY PAVED / UNPAVED

( < E Railroad Springs Rd - Silver Peak Railroad Rd(sh) | Saulsbury Summit > )

Montezuma s(u) , Goldfield Summit: East Railroad Springs Rd near junction with I95 > up East Railroad Springs Rd > Jackson Wash Rd north > Montezuma s(u) > Silver Peak Rd east > Alkali > I95 north > Goldfield > I95 north > East Railroad Springs Rd back to starting point: 46.7milesf with 3310ft of climbing in 5:33hrs (Garmin 32x m5:23.4.29)
Notes: desert flat fix solitaire - ride was moderately slow and hot