Location and surroundings
Tank Hill lies in the Ely Springs-Black Canyon Ranges, part of the Wilson Creek-White Rock Ranges, the East Central Great Basin Ranges, the Great Basin Ranges and the Intermountain West of the North American Cordillera. It is in Lincoln County, Nevada, in the United States. Within its range it ranks first by elevation, and it is the range high point. The landscape around it is open and dry, with nearby hills, broad slopes and scattered springs rather than dense forest.
Neighbouring peaks
- Yellow Hill — 1,833 m, 1.0 km west
- Black Rock Knoll — 1,758 m, 5.3 km north
- Grey Knoll — 1,607 m, 6.0 km south
- McCullough Hill — 2,030 m, 7.7 km northeast
- Comet Peak — 2,843 m, 8.1 km southeast
- Highland Peak — 2,846 m, 8.9 km southeast
- Stapely Knoll — 1,493 m, 9.4 km south
- Connor Peak — 2,758 m, 9.5 km east
Tank Hill is higher than the nearby knolls and Yellow Hill, but it is lower than McCullough Hill and much lower than the higher peaks to the southeast and east. The nearest higher peak is McCullough Hill, 7.7 km away to the northeast.
The view from the summit
From Tank Hill, the higher country within 25 km includes several named peaks that shape the skyline. To the northeast are Roe Peak at 2,722 m, Blind Mountain at 2,328 m and McCullough Hill at 2,030 m. To the east are Arizona Peak at 2,391 m and Mount Ely at 2,223 m. Farther southeast lie Chief Mountain at 2,257 m and the higher summits of Comet Peak and Highland Peak.
The range
Tank Hill belongs to the Ely Springs-Black Canyon Ranges, where it is the highest of the three named peaks. The range high point is therefore Tank Hill itself. The range sits within the wider Great Basin mountain system of the western United States, and the surrounding peaks show the stepped pattern typical of this part of Nevada, with a mix of low knolls and much higher summits nearby.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER for 2001–2020 suggest that the summit is warmest in July, at about 24 °C, and coldest in January, at about -1 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 250 mm, with the wettest month in January at about 25 mm and the driest in June at about 5 mm. In this part of Nevada, weather can change quickly, with strong sun, dry air, wind and occasional winter snow or icy patches at higher elevations.
Best time to visit
At the summit, the months with a mean temperature above freezing are February through November, with the warmest conditions in summer. For a dry mountain in the Great Basin, late spring, summer and early autumn are usually the most practical seasons for a visit, when snow cover is less likely and daylight is longer. Even then, heat, exposure and dry air can make the climb feel harder than the elevation alone suggests.
Nature and wildlife
The slopes around Tank Hill fit the open Great Basin landscape: sparse grasses, low shrubs and rocky ground on the ridges, with more plant cover in sheltered places and near springs. Wildlife in this region commonly includes desert-adapted birds, small mammals and larger animals that move through the hills and basins. The springs south of the summit are important water points in an otherwise dry setting, so animals may concentrate there, especially in warmer weather.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak like Tank Hill, a certified guide is usually not essential for experienced hikers, but it can be useful if you want help with route-finding, pacing and desert travel in hot or windy conditions. 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 and Exum Mountain Guides. Some peaks in the United States require registration or permits from the land agency, so it is wise to check local rules before setting out.
Safety and preparation
Tank Hill is a dry, open mountain where sun exposure, dehydration, wind and loose ground can matter more than technical difficulty. Carry enough water, protect yourself from heat and cold, and plan for limited shade. In winter or after storms, icy patches and poor visibility can make navigation harder. For emergencies in the United States, call 911; dispatchers can alert the local search and rescue team, usually run by the county sheriff or a national park authority.
Interesting facts
Tank Hill is the highest of the three named peaks in the Ely Springs-Black Canyon Ranges. Its nearest higher peak is McCullough Hill, 7.7 km to the northeast. The range high point is Tank Hill itself, so it also defines the top of its small mountain group. Nearby springs south of the summit add a rare water source in this dry part of Nevada.
FAQ
How high is Tank Hill? Tank Hill rises to 1,933 m.
Where is Tank Hill located? It is in Lincoln County, Nevada, in the United States, within the Ely Springs-Black Canyon Ranges.
What range does Tank Hill belong to? It is part of the Ely Springs-Black Canyon Ranges, inside the wider Great Basin mountain system.
What are the nearest peaks to Tank Hill? The closest are Yellow Hill 1.0 km west, Black Rock Knoll 5.3 km north and Grey Knoll 6.0 km south.
Is there water on the way to Tank Hill? Ely Springs lies about 1.7 km south of the summit, with another mapped spring slightly farther south. On a dry ridge like this, carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, depending on heat and route length.
Are there huts on Tank Hill? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
Is mobile phone coverage likely on Tank Hill? There are 4 mapped communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest 8.2 km east. On an open top with masts in sight, a signal is likely, but it can fail in deep valleys and behind ridges. 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and maps should be downloaded before setting out.