Calif. Desert Peaks
Overview
The route to the summit is a combination of old road, some canyon hiking and some line-of-sight navigation. Allow about 30 minutes to drive in from I-10 and maybe 3-4 hours for the hike.Getting There
See the main text for directions.Route Description
From the wilderness boundary, follow the old road generally SSE. About a half-mile in the road drops into a gully then up the other side, now paralleling a large broad wash on its east. Keep hiking until the road climbs up a small but prominent rocky outcrop which will be plainly obvious. This is your clue to drop into the wash, using any convenient path.Once in the wash, turn left and follow it as the wash tightens into a proper canyon for about .7 mile total. This section is fun and easy. Brush is light and there are some very easy rock obstacles to climb over. Keep hiking up the canyon until another canyon opens up on your right, which will be obvious also.
At this junction, ascend the slope that separates the two canyons directly in front of you on your south. Once on top this slope, always aim for the high ground. From here to the top you follow a ridge system and climb up and down many intervening subpeaks. The summit is in view for most of this stretch, and the cairn is also visible too. A number of pretty good use paths help in sections, although for the most part the cross-country navigation is obvious.
There is very little brush overall, and the ground is usually pretty solid with little loose rock. On the hike down, pay attention to which way you came up so as not to take another ridge down accidentally.
I started from the 2wd parking spot and covered the hike in a shade over 3 hours. Including the smaller ups and downs, I figure a gross elevation gain of about 1,500 feet.
The views south over the Salton Sea are spectacular.
Essential Gear
Pants for the occasionaly pointy brush. Good shoes, water, gloves, map - the usual desert peak packing list.Seasons
This is an excellent winter peak given the usual nice and dry conditions. In summer, this area gets very hot and uncomfortable.Images
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