hinkey summit

This on what one group called the "loneliest road in America" , it isn't even the loneliest road in Nevada. Hinkey Summit is a low pass between Eureka and Austin and does not impress much unless you stop and checkout the petroglyphs in the BLM campground on the eastern side of the pass.

On a warm July day, my mother, two brothers and I began our trek out of Paradise on our way to Hinkey Summit. We had heard about it all our lives, as we are decendents of the Hinkey Family who migrated from Illinois and helped settle the Paradise Valley. Having spent a couple of days researching our family we decided it was time we witnessed Hinkey Summit ourselves. After all it has our name. We were all amazed at the beauty of the valley, so green and lush even in July. Then came the high desert, with it's rugged harshness. The vistas on the way to the top were more than we could have guessed. It seemed like every corner we went around there appeared a new 'micro climate'. Some with cactus, others covered with willows and water loving flora. It was difficult to imagine what it would have been like in the middle 1800's traversing this mountain pass in a freight wagon, on horseback or even on foot. After learning the history of the road and summit, every 'buckbrush' bush we saw, we were sure it was the one that had impaled the Hinkey of long ago. The rocks and crevaces were covered with lichen of all colors, making for a visual treat. Caves, rock monolithes, caverns and outcroppings along the way, were wonders of mystery. Each mile of the way gave way to a variety of different smells, vistas, textures and nature delights. We were never disappointed with what we were experiencing, except for the fact there was no sign marking the summit. We just figured we were there, because the road began to slope down. It was agreed upon that we would do what we could to have a plaque or marker of some sort put up there, but alas, both my mother and brother have passed and it has not been done yet. We took a treasured photo and headed down the other side for a look at McDermit. Now that was quite the road. But believe me when I say...IT IS PARADISE AT THE TOP. The view is spectacular and I am sure we could see all the way to the end of the world. It takes your breath away indeed. If you ever get the opportunity, go there, whether you are a Hinkey or not, it will be a trip you won't soon forget. Be sure to get some History about the area before heading out, it will make it even more special. Stop in the Post Office or one of the businesses in Paradise, they can fill you in and give you some directions if needed. A side trip to the cemetary is also a must. The raod to the summit is easy to find, just follow the signs in Paradise and you will soon discover a special piece of landscape rich in beauty, mystery and history.