I don't think it had to be too high. The place sets up on the hill above the salt flats and I suspect you could see a light on that little pole for 40-50 miles back toward Salt Lake.

Here is a nice old Wendover tray - part of my Highway US40 collection. It is from the Utah side of the line I suppose - but then back in those days Bill Smith's place was probably about the only thing on the Nevada side.