Desatoya Mountains

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Desatoya Mountains are a mountain range in central Nevada, United States, about 117 miles east of Reno by road. The range runs along the border between Churchill and Lander counties.

The highest point is Desatoya Peak, standing at 9,978 feet (3,041 meters). The mountains lie between the Paradise Range to the south and the New Pass Range to the north, with Burnt Cabin Summit marking the southern boundary near Nye County. The region is crossed by three routes: the Old Overland Road along Basque Summit via the Pony Express route, Nevada State Highway 722 crossing the range by Carroll Summit, and a third route along Buffalo Creek that reaches Ione via Phonolite.

Historically, the Desatoya Mountains frame important Pony Express sites. The Cold Springs Pony Express Station and the Pony Express National Historic Trail lie on the western edge, while the Smith Creek Pony Express Station sits at the eastern base near Smith Creek Valley.

The name Desatoya has unclear origins. The “toya” part likely comes from the Shoshone word toyap meaning mountain, while “desa” has been interpreted in several ways, such as “short,” “big-black,” or “cold.” Earlier names for the range include Lookout Range and Sedaye Mountains.

In brief, the Desatoya Mountains are a prominent Nevada range with a notable peak, historical ties to the Pony Express, and a name with several possible meanings rooted in Native languages.