Chocolate Mountain

Overview

This fine desert peak (aka Piper Mountain) is the northern most peak in the Inyo Mountains overlooking Deep Springs Valley , Fish Lake Valley and Eureka Valley . As a triple divide peak it has sweeping views all around. The top of the mountain is covered with interesting rock formations along with small pinyon and juniper trees. On the western horizon the high Sierra stretches for miles. Fish Lake Valley to the northeast is ornamented with crop circles (not those crop circles). To the northwest are the White Mountains and to the south is an outstanding view of Eureka Valley with the Eureka Dunes and northern ranges of Death Valley National Park beyond. To the southwest the Inyo Mountains continue.

This is a moderate half day hike with 4 miles round trip and 1,400' gain.

Getting There

From Hwy. 395 in Big Pine take Hwy. 168 east up over Westgard Pass, down through Deep Springs Valley and winding up to Gilbert Pass at about 32 miles.
Take the dirt road south .4 miles staying right until a wilderness marker and park. This road should be drivable by most vehicles.
Continue on foot to the right between the north slope of Chocolate Mountain and a small hill about .6 miles to a 4wd road going south up through a small canyon then curving right up to the west ridge of the mountain and east up to the summit.

Red Tape

This day hike in Inyo National Forest requires no permits.

Camping

There are several campgrounds at Cedar Flat east of Hwy. 168 a mile or 2 south of Westgard Pass at around 7,200'.

Campgrounds are: Juniper Group, Poleta Group, Fossil Group and Pinon Group.

Big Pine weather and 5 day forecast

Click here fro the current weather and 5 day forecast for Big Pine

Images

View Chocolate Mountain Image Gallery - 15 Images