South Point Equestrian Center (map)
Telescope Peak is the highest peak in the Death Valley Range. From the trail, you can view both the lowest point in the lower 48 states (Badwater Basin) and the highest point (Mount Whitney). I like doing this hike as soon as the snow is off Telescope Peak Trail but still on the Sierras far off to the west. This hike will be on a maintained trail all the way to the peak.
I am planning to drive up on Saturday, camp in the campground Saturday night, ascend the peak Sunday morning, and then return to Vegas Sunday evening. Temperatures should be in the upper 50s overnight and 70s-80s on the trail but be prepared for colder. Bring enough food and water for Saturday night and Sunday. We will camp at Mahogany Flat Campground elevation 8200 feet. The Trail head is at the campground. There is no water and a pit toilet at the campground. Camping is free. High clearance vehicles are needed to get to the campground and trailhead.
Pace: 3 of 5
Difficulty: 4 of 5
Elevation gain: 3000 feet
Distance: 14 miles
Elevation at peak: 11,049 feet
Scrambling: 1 of 5
Anyone interested in car pooling should meet at South Point parking garage on the 4th floor at the west end of isle 4D at noon. We will be taking Blue Diamond Road to Pahrump and then to Death Valley Junction and CA 190.
Bob
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Last time I did this I had to hike from the kilns on snowshoes. I have 4wd so will drive. Have you thought about camping at Wildrose? It's only a short drive to the trailhead but is usually warmer, especially this ealry?
Wildrose campground is only 4100 feet in elevation and will be hot during the day. I don't think it will get down into the 40s at Mahogany Flat. I'm just asking you to be prepared for it.
I got an update on Telescope Peak trail conditions from the park ranger yesterday. The Ranger said
"There is no snow on the trail except a little snow and ice on a couple of the switchbacks. No worries should be all gone by next weekend."
I live in the Northwest side of town don't want to have to drive to the Southpoint and backtrack to the northwest to get to Death Valley. I have a Dodge Durango and am looking to drive. If anyone else lives in the Nothwest side and wants to carpool let me know.
I'm driving 4wd, anyone wants to car pool let me know. 702-328-3458
I'll be driving with Shin so far, and I'm hiking with Branch Saturday morning so intend to leave Vegas a little later around 2-3. I know my way out to the campground well also.
Regards
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Don't get gas when you drive thru Furnace Creek. The gas there at the Chevron Station near the visitor center was $4.21 a gallon. At Stovepipe Wells it was ONLY $2.85 for regular (which was the only grade they stock). cell phones don't work in DV, but there is a landline at Stovepipe Wells Village.