John Nicoll [aka J. W. Nicoll) came from Missouri in 1850 to the South Fork of the Kern River Valley soon after the American conquest & homesteaded in the 1850s. Nearby Nicolls Peak was named in his honor. The great-great granddaughter of Mr. Nicoll claims that the name of the peak was actually misspelled. It was supposed to be spelled Nicoll Peak with no “s” on the end, and the family has been working to get this fixed.
Be sure to bring a high clearance vehicle to access the parking area listed here which is accessible from Brooks Road. From the parking area you head east across the drainage, and then up the ridge where you will locate a dirt road that will lead you to the summit. The original swag includes Rex Walters, John 3:16, Dino Radja, Rodney Rogers, yellow smiley ball, silver star, green palm, Lou Whitaker, George Bell, Tom Gordon, and a paper clip.
Good luck!