Stoddard Mountain is a sub-5,000ft desert peak located just 15 miles northeast of Victorville, California. Like most of the desert here, this peak has volcanic rock exposed on the north face, and more gentle slopes on the south face.

Hiking to the top from the south side is a simple walkup without much to offer. Hiking from the north side along our route to the ridgeline, then west to the summit, offers some fun and excellent scrambling with some solid rock for hand and foot holds along the way.

Our descent was on the ridgeline leading north away from the summit, and then east down the far ridgeline.

On the summit, there is a cross/memorial to a Mrs. Williams, and a sign placed there by Bob and Russ Stoddard in August 2001.

Getting There

From the 15 Freeway, heading north:

Heading north on the 15 freeway, exit Stoddard Wells Road. If you take the first exit while heading north, make a left off the offramp. Follow this road down until you reach the first junction with the 15 on your lefthand side.. Make a right turn. Follow this road for the remainder of the approach to the mountain. Shortly after reaching Dale Evans Parkway, Stoddard Wells pavement ends, and it becomes a dirt road. After about 8 miles, you will reach a junction with Lucerne Valley Cutoff. There is a sign marking this junction, despite being in the middle of nowhere.

At this junction, if you look left/west, you will see Stoddard Mountain. You can basically park off this road, and start your climb from whatever direction you feel fits your needs. A 2wd car or vehicle will work just fine until this point. I made it to the base of the mountain in my 2wd Nissan Pickup, with zero specialised equipment for offroad travel, other than a shovel and my buddy.

There are several roads that lead off of Stoddard Wells Road to the west, which lead to the base of the mountain. If you've got a vehicle with low ground clearance, I suggest only pulling off the main road about 100 yards or so, as the roads get rocky when you get further in.

Red Tape

No adventure passes, fees, or anything are required for this desert peak. Bring plenty of water, make sure you're gassed up, and bring tools to gain traction if your vehicle becomes bogged down in loose soil.

Camping

Camping is limited and somewhat restricted in OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) areas. We camped close to the base of the mountain, and despite there being the usual amount of offroaders and bikers around, nobody came close to our camp.

I suggest building a rockwall protecting your tent/shelter from wind, as the area is subject to heavy winds and gusts strong enough to rip tent stakes out of the ground.