ApproachFrom the parking spot at about 1,220 meters, drop down a few meters and start heading southwest on a primitive road that heads straight for the Granite Mountains. The road follows the scenic Cottonwood Wash. This is true Mojave Desert country. You will pass by some old corrals about a quarter-mile from the trailhead. Continue southwest on the road as it gradually climbs up Cottonwood Wash. After about 1.5 miles, you will reach Cottonwood Spring at about 1,360 meters. There are some huge boulders along the road here.
Route DescriptionFrom the vicinity of Cottonwood Spring, start climbing southwest towards Point 2,061, the highpoint of the Granite Mountains. The route is rugged, rocky, and brushy, but there are no obstacles. A GPS would be useful here to track the correct route. We climbed the wrong gully and ended up on Point 1916 before we reached the true summit.
Hiking Distance: About 7 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: 860 meters.
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Mojave National Preserve
