Location and surroundings
Burnt Mountain is in Washoe County, Nevada, in the United States. Its full range chain is North American Cordillera > Intermountain West > Great Basin Ranges > Northwest Great Basin Ranges > Warner Mountains > Buffalo Hills. At 2,057 m, it is the highest of the two named peaks in the Buffalo Hills, which makes it the range high point.
The mountain sits in a dry Great Basin setting where slopes are open and vegetation is usually sparse at higher elevations. The terrain around it is shaped by ridges and separated peaks rather than continuous alpine walls, so approaches are typically across broad country with exposed sections and little shelter from wind or sun.
Neighbouring peaks
Burnt Mountain is surrounded by several nearby peaks that help define its position in the Buffalo Hills and the wider area. It is slightly higher than some close neighbours, but lower than a few peaks farther away to the north and northwest.
- Button Mountain — 2,036 m, 5.3 km NE
- Black Butte — 1,956 m, 9.1 km N
- Eddies Garden — 1,727 m, 10.2 km NW
- Poodle Mountain — 2,043 m, 10.3 km NE
- Lone Mountain — 1,642 m, 12.3 km SW
- Grass Mountain — 1,777 m, 12.5 km W
- Chimney Rock — 1,791 m, 15.8 km SW
- Twin Peaks — 1,976 m, 17.8 km SW
Among these, Poodle Mountain and Button Mountain come closest in height, while the others are clearly lower. Burnt Mountain remains the highest point in its immediate group of named peaks.
The view from the summit
From the summit, the highest nearby peaks within 25 km are spread around the horizon. To the northwest lies Rowland Mountain at 2,104 m, about 23.3 km away. To the northeast is Granite Mountain at 1,951 m, about 22.5 km away, and to the southwest is Burro Mountain at 1,854 m, about 24.5 km away.
These peaks show how Burnt Mountain sits in a scattered high-country landscape rather than a single compact massif. The summit outlook is likely to be broad, with ridges and isolated hills extending across the Great Basin country.
The range
Burnt Mountain belongs to the Buffalo Hills, whose high point is Burnt Mountain itself. The Buffalo Hills contain 2 named peaks, and Burnt Mountain ranks first among them by elevation. In the wider hierarchy, the Buffalo Hills are placed within the Warner Mountains and the broader Great Basin Ranges of the North American Cordillera.
This is a small named group rather than a large alpine range, so Burnt Mountain is the key summit for the area. Its position as the range high point makes it the main reference peak for the Buffalo Hills.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 21 °C, and coldest in December, at about -3 °C. Mean temperatures are above freezing from March through November. The surrounding area receives about 250 mm of precipitation a year, with the wettest month in December at about 45 mm and the driest in July at about 5 mm.
In this part of Nevada, weather can change quickly with wind, dry air and strong sun in the warmer months, while winter brings cold, snow and icy patches on higher ground. Thunderstorms are a seasonal concern in the broader Great Basin, and exposed ridges can feel much colder than the temperature suggests.
Best time to visit
The months with mean temperatures above freezing at the summit are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. The driest month is July, while December is the wettest. That points to late spring, summer and early autumn as the most practical seasons for a visit.
At this elevation, snow can linger into the shoulder seasons, and winter conditions may make travel slower and more demanding. Summer offers the most stable access, but heat, sun exposure and limited water become important factors on open slopes.
Nature and wildlife
The Buffalo Hills sit in a high desert and mountain environment typical of the Great Basin. Lower slopes may carry sagebrush and other dry-country plants, while higher ground becomes thinner, rockier and more exposed. Tree cover is usually limited compared with wetter mountain regions, and the open terrain gives wide views across the surrounding basins.
Wildlife in this kind of country often includes deer, small mammals, birds of prey and reptiles adapted to dry conditions. On the mountain itself, the main natural challenges are sun, wind, loose ground and seasonal snow rather than glacier travel or dense forest.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Burnt Mountain, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers or climbers, but it can be useful if you are unfamiliar with remote Great Basin terrain, winter conditions or route-finding on open ridges. In the United States, the national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the national alpine club is the American Alpine Club.
Examples of established guiding companies in the country include RMI Expeditions in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides in Moose, Wyoming. Guided trips in the United States usually depend on trip length, group size, equipment needs and whether overnight logistics are involved. For this mountain, check local land-management rules before setting out; some peaks in the country require registration or permits.
Safety and preparation
Burnt Mountain’s elevation and open terrain call for preparation for sun, wind, cold mornings and limited shelter. In dry country, water planning matters as much as fitness, and snow or ice can still appear outside midsummer. Good navigation skills are useful because ridges and slopes can look similar from a distance, especially in poor visibility.
For emergencies in the United States, the mountain rescue number is 911. Dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority. Carry a map, enough water, and clothing for rapid weather changes.
Interesting facts
Burnt Mountain is the highest of the 2 named peaks in the Buffalo Hills, so it is the range high point. It stands above nearby peaks such as Button Mountain and Poodle Mountain, both of which are close in elevation but slightly lower.
The nearest higher summit within the listed 25 km circle is Rowland Mountain, at 2,104 m, about 23.3 km to the northwest. That makes Burnt Mountain a local high point in a landscape of scattered ranges rather than part of a single continuous crest.
FAQ
How high is Burnt Mountain? Burnt Mountain rises to 2,057 m.
Where is Burnt Mountain? It is in Washoe County, Nevada, in the United States, within the Buffalo Hills of the Warner Mountains part of the Great Basin ranges.
Is Burnt Mountain the highest mountain in the Buffalo Hills? Yes. It is the highest of the 2 named peaks in the Buffalo Hills and the range high point.
What peaks are closest to Burnt Mountain? The nearest listed peaks are Button Mountain to the northeast, Black Butte to the north, and Poodle Mountain also to the northeast.
Is there water on the way to Burnt Mountain? In this dry Great Basin terrain, plan to carry your own water. For a day outing, 1.5 to 3 litres is a sensible range depending on heat and distance.
Do I need a guide for Burnt Mountain? Usually not for a straightforward ascent in good conditions, but a guide can help with navigation, weather judgment and winter travel if you are not used to remote desert mountains.
How should I prepare for mobile phone coverage? Coverage in the hills can be patchy and depends on the operator. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and you should download maps before setting out.