Nevada · Hiking

South Square Top

3.9 mi
round trip
493 ft
climb
8,495 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is South Square Top open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Ely Ranger District. It doesn't name South Square Top, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Ely Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

South Square Top is a moderate out-and-back hike in the Ely Ranger District of Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada, about 4 miles long with a one-way climb of roughly 500 feet from a low of about 8,000 feet to a high of about 8,500 feet. The trail is on natural surface and is open to both horses and bikes, according to Forest Service records. It stays open year-round, and the Forest Service manages the land. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical July highs reach about 84°F with lows near 47°F at a nearby weather station in Ruth, and winter brings highs around freezing and regular snow days from December through March. The High Roller mountain bike trail sits just 0.2 miles away, and the West Square Top hike and the Square Top climbing area are both about half a mile off. For an overnight stay, Cleve Creek Campground is roughly 9 miles away.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit South Square Top

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      38° / 9°

      6 wet · 6 snow

    2. Feb

      40° / 12°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    3. Mar

      47° / 19°

      7 wet · 5 snow

    4. Apr

      54° / 24°

      7 wet · 3 snow

    5. May

      64° / 32°

      7 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      76° / 40°

      5 wet

    7. Jul

      84° / 47°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      82° / 46°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      75° / 36°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      61° / 25°

      4 wet · 1 snow

    11. Nov

      47° / 16°

      5 wet · 3 snow

    12. Dec

      37° / 7°

      6 wet · 5 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Ruth, NV, 17.3 mi away at 6,858 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.