26th Annual Silver Peak or Bust Hike

Date: October 24

Check-In: 5:30 a.m. | Start Time: 6:00 a.m.

Start Location: Intersection of Eagle Road and State Route 264 (approx. 3 miles south of Esmeralda Market & Gas Station, across from Boonies Bar, Restaurant & Post Office)

(Please note: Hike registration takes place in person on-site at 5:30 a.m. on October 24.)

About the Event & Supporting Our Students

At Esmeralda County School District, community support for the 26th Annual Silver Peak or Bust Hike directly empowers our students. While this hike is an independent community event rather than an official school function, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Esmeralda County School District.

Every contribution, big or small, funds extracurricular activities, athletic shoes, gear, uniforms, and other supplies and support for PreK through 12th grade students to ensure no child goes without.

Sponsorship & Donation Levels (Zeffy Campaign):

• Hiker Supporter: Every step counts! Provides essential classroom supplies and learning tools for local students.
• Gear & Activity Sponsor: Helps cover extracurricular activity fees, athletic shoes, uniforms, and sports gear for students in need.
• Trail Angel Sponsor: Bridges critical funding gaps for student programs and provides finish-line food and trail support.
• Trail Blazer Sponsor: Empowers local youth through innovative academic tools, athletic gear, and district-wide extracurricular opportunities.

Payment & Contribution Methods:

• Online: Donate or sponsor directly through our Zeffy Donation Page.
• By Check:
  • Make check out to: Esmeralda County School District
  • Comment: SP or Bust Hike
  • Mail to: Esmeralda County School District, Silver Peak or Bust Hike Fund, PO Box 129, Dyer, NV 89010

Route & Trail Overview

The 35-mile trek runs from Fish Lake Valley to the historic mining town of Silver Peak, Nevada.

• Elevation & Terrain: Hikers climb roughly 3,000 feet over the first 11 miles to McAfee Pass in the Silver Peak Range, followed by 24 miles of rolling terrain. The overall route drops about 500 feet from start to finish.
• Navigation & Lighting: The course is marked with white flour for mile indicators and water drops. Rough maps may be available at check-in. A bright waxing moon will illuminate the trail, though carrying a headlamp or light for the early morning start is recommended.
• Pace: A reasonably fit hiker typically finishes in about 11 hours.

Preparation & Safety

This is a self-supported wilderness trek with no official services or on-site medical personnel.

• Gear & Supplies: Hikers should bring personal snacks, water, sunglasses, toilet paper, skin lubricant, broken-in footwear, extra socks, and rain gear/slickers in case of rain or snow.
• Wildlife & Safety: Stay alert for wild horses, cattle, reptiles, and other desert wildlife. While volunteer "Trail Angels" monitor the course to assist struggling participants, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
• Perks & Recognition: Certificates of participation will be provided, and leftover event T-shirts may be available at the start or finish.

Event History & Community

• Founding: The hike was created in August 2000 by founder and former three-time County Commissioner Bill Kirby, who first blazed the trail in 100°F heat. The event was later moved to October for cooler weather. Bill completed the trek 14 times, most recently at age 76 with an 11-hour finish.
• Notable Accomplishments: Pete Swan (76) has completed the rugged course three times on a mountain bike. Public Works Superintendent Mike Anderson logged one of the fastest completion times, and Daniel Villa finished as one of the youngest participants while in 3rd grade at Dyer Elementary. Harley Brown holds the record for participating in the hike more times than any other student. Brian Sanderson has completed the hike 9 times, while former teacher John Scates has completed it on several occasions. Neil Terhune holds the distinction of being the first and only Esmeralda County School District Superintendent to finish. Seth Pringle has also tackled and completed the trek. Founder Bill Kirby’s grandson, Henry Kirby, completed the grueling hike on his very first attempt. County Manager Joe Dunn and his wife Lori tackled the trail together, both finishing side-by-side, with Joe completing the hike again for its 25th anniversary.
• Community Support & Trail Angels: Numerous Esmeralda County School District staff, students, and community members have participated in and supported the event over the years. Key contributors include teachers John and Rina Scates, Joshua and Clarissa Abbott (and both families' children and students), and Superintendent Neil Terhune. Longtime supporters Joe Dunn (County Manager) and his wife Lori have served as Trail Angels providing finish-line food and drink, in addition to completing the hike together. Dedicated volunteer Doug Kile has served as a Trail Angel for most events alongside Manny and Jessica Villa and their family. Extended members of founder Bill Kirby’s family have also provided critical support and/or participated in the hike, including Cedric Kirby, Brian and Winifred Sanderson, Jasmine and Matthew Simental, Brianna Sanderson, Debbee Kirby, Yvonne Kirby, Angela Garcia, Richard, Russel and Alyssa Torres, Aiden Cornforth, Joanne Allum-Kirby, Henry Kirby, Christopher Kirby, Rocky Sabedra, Sal Simental, and many others.

In Loving Memory

• Katranne "Kat" Pringle & William “Billy” Matthew Kirby: We honor and cherish the memory of Katranne "Kat" Pringle, who bravely tackled and completed the grueling 35-mile trek, and William “Billy” Matthew Kirby, who gave his love and support to all. Both Kat and William touched countless lives through their unwavering dedication, support, and tireless good deeds in service to others. Their spirit of endurance, selflessness, and heartfelt commitment to local students will always remain at the core of the Silver Peak or Bust Hike tradition.