Mountain City Highway/ Adobe Summit The Adobe Mountains north of Elko, Nevada are much smaller than their rugged counterparts the Ruby Mountains to the south but they do offer some challenging driving sections. One of these sections is a short climb to the top of Adobe Summit along Mountain City Highway. Winding from the west end of town, north to the Idaho state line, Mountain City Highway (SR225) crosses the Adobe Mountains to slice through the Independence Valley some 70 miles. The climb from Elko base elevation of just over 5000' to Adobe Summit at just under 6800' is one of twisting curves, few straight-aways and narrow passage. The 18 mile length is posted at 60 MPH but many stretches are reduced to 45 MPH and even lower in specified areas. There are no amenities along this stretch of twisties for 30 miles or so except for town itself so if you wish a bite to eat or need to gas up do it in Elko before you take off. Also be aware that in the winter months the Adobe Summit area is a favorite spot for snowmobilers and other winter recreationists and with the road plowed only to the roadway's edge there aren't many places you can actually get off the highway unless it is private property. Be on the lookout for vehicles parked partially on the roadway straddling what little shoulder exists. People may cross the highway not watching for traffic. Road conditions can vary greatly and it seems north of town to the Nevada-Idaho border always receives much more snow than town so be sure to call ahead for road conditions. Call Nevada Road Conditions available from the Nevada Department of Transportation at 1.877.NV-ROADS. return to road trip