Tikaboo Peak is the unofficial name for a mountain in Lincoln County and is approximately 26 miles to the east of Area 51. It is the closest publicly accessible vantage point with a view of the area. Other areas (Freedom Ridge and White Sides) were closed to public access in 1995 because people were using it to photograph the non-existent facilities.
This highly desirable hike is also a highly tough one and that is after you have a long auto trip to just get to the starting point. The hike is in the Pahranagat Range (west of Alamo), about 2 hours northeast of Las Vegas. You will want to start early in the day leaving Las Vegas well before sunrise if you plan to make it there and back.
It is approximately 26 air miles from the peak to the ‘Area 51’, and if you want pictures you will need a good telescope or long range camera lens. Your typical 180mm lens will be great for the scenery and the vistas, but the base itself not so much.
This, like many other advance hikes require you to plan in advance obtaining maps (both road maps to the trail head and geo maps of the route), coordinate with other hikers and consider going with someone who has done the hike before. The trails are clear and obvious but never underestimate the unexpected. Plan accordingly – see warnings below.
Elevations as high as 7000-8000 feet are possible, so be prepared for appropriate weather conditions.
Standard Warnings!
Desert hiking carries unique risks and you should always be prepared. Select routes you are capable of handling, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, leave no trace and take no souvenirs, (take your trash out), respect wild life, the wilderness and other people. Carry appropriate supplies including plenty of water, a map, a compass, emergency lighting (even for day trips), snacks/protein bars, an emergency whistle, signaling mirror, BIC lighter and candles, Swiss Army Knife, basic First Aid kit and protective clothing (raingear, hat, mittens, sweater). And from my time in the Army – extra socks!!! Socks are light weight and being able to change them can keep your feet dry and protected.
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Courtesy S. Ward – Northern Nevada Railroad, The Ghost Train