Overview | Peak 1963 aka Calicone Peak | Eldorado Wilderness, Nevada

Adventure will occur during an upcoming Winter season soon!

Explore this beautiful, remote, multi-colored volcanic peak off lower Lonesome Wash just South of Las Vegas.

What Are the White Streaks on Peak 1963?

For now let’s consider the question, “What are those distinctive white streaks that contribute so much to the beauty and art of this dormant volcanic cone?

The white streaks are made up of a fine, soft powder formed by minerals depositing around active or former fumaroles (steam vents). These deposits are commonly gypsum (calcium sulfate), salammoniac (ammonium chloride), or alteration products like kaolinite and alunite. 

• Composition: Often calcium carbonate, gypsum, or silica, resulting from water and gas interacting with volcanic rock.
• Location: Primarily found in “draws” or paths where rainwater flows, as well as near fumaroles.
• Appearance: They can appear as powdery, soft, white crusts or patches.
• Other Possibilities: Sometimes the white, powdery material is simply volcanic ash or pumicite from past explosive eruptions.
• Distinction: Unlike the yellow or white-yellow of pure sulfur, these deposits are typically bright white and do not smell.

Beautiful But Deadly!

Beware of a health hazard involving the white streaks on this volcanic cone! Remember the “longest word in the English language”, we learned about in elementary school to test out spelling ability? Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis is “a lung disease caused by inhalation of very fine silica dust usually found in volcanos”. Silica dust is composed of fine, cancer-causing glass particles. It’s also been known to be sucked into aircraft engines where it melts in the high heat causing catastrophic engine failure. During your visit to Peak 1963, try not to inhale the white dust. In fact, steer clear by skirting the darker edges around those white streaks. Enjoy the unique beauty, but keep your distance!

Trailhead Directions | Peak 1963 aka Calicone Peak | Eldorado Wilderness, Nevada

The Eldorado Wilderness is South of Las Vegas. Take Interstate 11 South toward Hoover Dam. Just after the Railroad Pass exit, take a right onto exit 14 to Hwy 95 toward Searchlight. Then, take a left onto Hwy 165. You’ll soon see well-placed, attractive interpretive signs for the Eldorado Wilderness and Nelson Hills. There is an Eldorado Trailhead, but you want to park at a wide spot by the road a couple miles before the trailhead.

Narrative Guide | Peak 1963 aka Calicone Peak | Eldorado Wilderness, Nevada

Adventure will occur during an upcoming Winter season soon!