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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is stunning. The vistas are superb and unmatched. When you reach the peak, you will be standing at 11,049 feet, the highest point in Death Valley National Park. From the top you can see Badwater, at -280 the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, and Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous United States. The trail starts out steep. It is very strenuous going for the first two miles. You immediately begin to get great views into Death Valley. After two miles the trail levels off onto a wind-swept ridge. From here it is easy going for about three miles. You will start to wander among the ancient bristlecone pines - gnarled by wind, time, and occasionally fire. The last two miles greets you with no less than 13 switchbacks, and the occasional "it must be right over here." You'll get there sign the peak register, and have one of the most enjoyable hikes of your life. The distance is what makes this one strenuous. Trailhead: From the 190, take Emigrant Canyon Road South - turn left(east) at Wildrose Canyon Rd - drive nine miles to the Mahogany Flat campground. This is a very steep and rough dirt road, especially after the Charcoal Kilns. If you have a low clearance vehicle, you may want to park at the Wildrose campground even though it will add two miles to your trip. The trailhead is before the campground right next to a fire road, and very easy to find. There is a trail register to sign a few hundred feet from the start and a register at the top. Or if you are coming from the South take the 178 to Wildrose Canyon Road and turn right(east). (Lat:36.16976 Lon:-117.08911) Trail Guides for Death Valley - Telescope Peak: California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Death Valley National Park (760)786-2331 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chaz on 7/15/2007 7/6-7/7/07 Scorching hot 130 on the desert floor, by the time we bumped our way up Upper Wildrose Rd to Mahogany Flats, we stuck our hands out the window to feel a cool breeze. We laid our sleeping bags & pads out under the stars AWESOME! The sunrise was amazing! We took off for Telescope at 7:30am - beautiful hike, the temp was in the 70's with cool breezes over the Arcane Meadows. Gorgeous views...nice hike. About 7.5 up & down, including peak time. 
Reviewed by Chris on 6/9/2007 I Drove in 06/02/2007 made it through the south end via Wildrose. Used a 2005 Toyota Pre-runner (2WD) rigged with BF Goodrich Radial TA'S (an off road tire) Still got a flat near the top. I was able to finish the last 8oo' arrived at 9pm. 4 camp sites were open. I was there for the use of my Celestron telescope and was able to get great views of Jupiter/Jupiters moons and the Earth's moon (full) this was a test trip. The next round will be to the summit. This is a great trip but, I would advise keeping a $50.00 12 volt air pump and a (good) set of radial repair plugs in the vehicle, this will save you having to jack the vehicle if you get stuck on the incline. Plan for flat tire(s) Also a great Geological trip.
Reviewed by Greg D on 5/1/2007 Hiked on 4/27/07. Beautiful day; clear sky, sunny and 60 degrees. Got a flat on the way up to Mahogany Flat. Not easy changing a rear tire on an Expedition on an inclined dirt road. But that's life. Things got much better from there. Terrific views right from start. Also did Bennett and Rogers for the fun of extra gain. Definitely do this hike.
Reviewed by A. Stewart on 11/14/2006 Hiked Telescope Peak on November 12th, 2006. Cold! Left Mahagony Flats @ 8 AM with 23°F temperature plus a steady 20 MPH wind, which picked up during day. Myself, wife and 10 Y.O son hit the summit at 1 PM. Last 1000 ft of elevation had snow and ice, but trail was mostly clear. Camera and water froze. Still, wouldn't trade view for anything. Made it down by 5 PM and just before it got really dark. Trail was in excellent condition and there were only 5 other people on trail entire day. Great solitude and unforgettable experience.
Reviewed by A. Riedel on 8/2/2006 Great hike, wish I could get up there on a day with crystal clear air! My November ascent wasn't that clear either. I'd do this hike anytime, though Charleston Peak is grander.
Reviewed by Chris on 6/18/2006 Traveled a short distance from Ridgecrest, CA on Friday, June 16th. Camped at the Magohany Flats Campground. We were fortunate to get the last tent site available that night. We hit the trail around 7:30 AM and made it to the top in about 3.75 hours. Beautiful 360 degree views. Saw an F15 or F18 flying by from local China Lake NAWS. It as quite warm once we reached the top of peak. Views were magnificent and would recommend it to anybody! Make it down the mountain close to 5 PM.
Reviewed by ChristaS on 5/31/2006 On Memorial Day weekend 2006, the road to the trailhead and the trail were in excellent condition. The trail is very well marked, easy to follow, and a nice balance of easy ridgeline walking and more strenuous switchbacks. We hiked on a very clear day and were rewarded with spectacular views. Photos of trail conditions (and our hike) can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93095239@N00/sets/72157594150609243/
Reviewed by Will Campbell on 5/29/2006 Hiked to Telescope Peak and back on May 28, 2006. Set out from the trailhead at 8:30 a.m. and back by 6:30 p.m. Trail conditions excellent. Very strenuous. Weather was clear and cool and perfect up at the top. Breathtaking views! Road from the kilns to Thorndike and Mahogany Flats campgrounds was in decent shape. Made it up to Mahogany Flats campground in a 2WD Nissan truck and I even saw a sedan cruise the campground as well as a minivan full of dayhikers near the trailhead. Only trail issues on this day was up among the final 2 miles among the 13 switchbacks. Snow covered the 7th or 8th turn forcing a short detour scramble up the hillside. After the final s/b there was a bank of snow less than a foot deep to climb up -- entirely doable. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Inyo County Hiking, Inyo County Trails, Inyo County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||