Boasting a whopping elevation of 13,147 feet, Boundary Peak is considered the highest point in all of Nevada. The view from the top is tremendous and skilled hikers are more than happy to brave the difficult trail just to take it in. However, few people actually know that Nevada had to fight to keep this spectacular view. The tumultuous history behind Boundary Peak is not only fascinating, but it makes us appreciate this spectacular mountain even more!
Located near Dyer, Boundary Peak (the peak on the left) is one of Nevada's most incredible wonders. It obtained its name from the fact that it lies so close to the California-Nevada stateline. In fact, its close proximity to the Golden State caused quite a controversy back in the day.
In 1872, a man named Alexey Von Schmidt surveyed the area between California and Nevada by creating a diagonal line that started at Lake Tahoe and ends at Fort Mojave. The survey included Boundary Peak within Nevada's state limits.
However, the imprecision of the survey was heavily criticized and led to an actual lawsuit between the two states. California filed a lawsuit against Nevada which argued for a re-survey of the stateline. This re-imagining of the stateline would put Boundary Peak in California territory.
The lawsuit threatened a lot of Nevada communities and businesses. Casinos that resided near Lake Tahoe would be considered on California territory, and therefore illegal. Luckily, the Supreme Court ruled that the Von Schmidt Line was the official boundary between California and Nevada, keeping everything the same.
It's crazy to think we had to go to court in order to keep this beautiful mountain within our state borders. It only makes sense that Boundary Peak would belong to us considering most hikers climb the mountain from the Nevada side.
Hiking to the top of this glorious peak is no easy task. The trail boasts steep and loose portions that can be tricky to climb. However, the view at the top is more than worth it!
The history behind Boundary Peak just makes us appreciate this epic view that much more. Californians are welcome to climb this incredible mountain, but it will forever be one of Nevada's greatest treasures.
What do you think? Did you know that Nevada had to fight California for Boundary Peak? What a wild story! There’s always something new to be discovered about our state, even if you’re a lifetime Nevadan. Check out these 12 Things They Didn’t Teach You About Nevada In School for more interesting facts.
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