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Hey everyone! Thinking of visiting Death Valley in February and would love to do Telescope Peak then. I was wondering if I'd be able to do it with microspikes, poles, and an ice axe? Or are crampons/snowshoes necessary?

Thanks!

It could go either way, too early to tell. Probably want to evaluate a couple weeks b4 your trip. If we fall back into a drought pattern, you might be able to get away with hiking shoes alone.

Also, if telescope doesn't work out, lots of other great peaks throughout DV too.

One thing is to find out if you can even make it to the trailhead. Sometimes that Emigrant Canyon Rd (and Charcoal Kiln Rd) to Mahogany Flat Campground (30 miles one way from Rt. 190) is closed and there is no way to find out until you actually make it to it. The Death Valley park searvice rangers are not really there to help anyone but rather to complain of having jobs and getting paid from everyone's tax money. Than, only when you are at the trailhead you xan determine what you need in terms of gear.

Diesel is correct, your biggest challenge in February may be getting to the trailhead. And, if your vehicle gets stuck, you are a long way from nowhere. Because most of the hiking route is on a ridge, wind usually keeps down the accumulation of snow. Which is fortunate, I couldn't imagine making that trek in snowshoes. Last time I hiked Telescope was in January. The wind was so extreme it was difficult to stand. Also, the visibility at the summit was approximately 100 yards.