"11.29.19....Opal Mtn, Nelson HP. (Not Benchmark) and Arch Back Peak. The Black Friday Peakbagging Honeymoon Jimmy never wanted! 3 Peak Extravaganza in the Eldorado Mtns near Nelson, NV. 3 diff Trailheads, 6 miles and nearly 2,000’ gain. Opal peak was the coldest at nearly 5,000’ above sea level with windchill in the 20’s. We hiked an ran that (Mtn road) 5k distance in :49 min. Next was Nelson HP (not BM) which had a flowing creek all the way to the summit! 1.6 miles, 700’ gain in 1:10hr. Last was Arch Back. 1.3 in 33min. It had a giant Arch Bridge on the ridge along the way. This Mtn Range is extraordinary with spectacular 360 views of the Colorado River and rugged area mountains......and in our own backyard! The wind was vicious and cold. 50mph gusts on the summits tossed us around like rag dolls. I made us Thanksgiving leftover sub Sammies and pumpkin pie for a reward. Thank you my love. You are a great sport! *We slept in and were done and home by 1pm. @ Nelson, Nevada" — paula.raimondi • Nov 29, 2019

"The forecast was for freezing temps with 25-30mph winds everywhere. Mike & I wanted to do something, so we crossed our fingers that the Nelson area might be a little better than everywhere else. Well, it was cold & windy there too! We still bagged a few peaks in the morning, then bailed early. Headed up the NW slope to the top of Arch Back (there is a great arch up there!), then back to the car. We drove another mile up the road, then ascended Pigs In Zen Peak via the West slope, descended to the east & went up the south ridge to Lonesome Peak before descending back down the east face & looping back around the north side of PIZ back to the car. Very windy & cold!!" — Kevin • Dec 26, 2015