| Out-n-back via Palm Canyon Campground Route |
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| Out-n-back via Palm Canyon Campground   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: California, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 33.29250°N / 116.4303°W Route Type: hike/scramble Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: strenuous class 2
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| Page By: Shano Created/Edited: Feb 16, 2005 / Feb 16, 2005 Object ID: 164000 Hits: 704 Loading... Page Score: 73.41% - 1 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Approach
From the town of Borrego Springs, head west following the signs to Palm Canyon Campground (not the Visitors Center.) Drive past the kiosk (after paying the $6 day use fee) and park at the far end of the paved loop road.)
Route Description
Look for the signs marking the Palm Canyon Hiking Trail and follow these up canyon. Note that this canyon can be rough at times depending on the number and magnitude of flash floods coursing thru the season. Continue approx 1.5 miles up-canyon through varying states of trail maintenance until a prominent bifurcation is reached (elev approx 1500ft.) At this point, you can break away from the trail and start heading up the steep, loose, blocky slopes and aim for the highest visible point. No actual trail or route exists; both times I've done it I believe I did differently. I just try to stay on the minor ridge apexes (rather than the drainages.) The climb will entail about 2400 ft of gain from the split.
After you get to the top take a few extra minutes to head down to the "chin" and take a peek at the Palm Canyon.
Return route - reverse your tracks and be careful heading down. Not a good place to bust a leg.
Note - all the elevations and distances were snagged from TOPO software. If you get significantly different figures, please forward them to me and let me know
Essential Gear
Water is a good thing to have along in quantity! I was able to do this with a 100oz CamelBak. YMMV. Lots of ankle-breaking potential here so I recommend stout high top boots and trekking poles. Not steep enough to warrant a helmet or rope. This route ascends the south-facing slope of the peak so be prepared for some solar exposure - dress appropriately and don't forget the sunscreen (if you are so inclined.)
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Calif. Desert Peaks
