Visit Messenger Peak via Moody Truck Trail

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/8/2/9/600_446211241.jpeg

Moody Truck Trail is a desert road whose purpose must pre-date Mt Gleason Road: I really can't understand why it was built.

But it was, so let's hike it!

Actually, the real reason is to pay a visit to now-remote Messenger Peak. It's not on the HPS list because it used to be a drive-up too close to Mt Gleason.

We will also add Pt 5682' and Pt 5705' - an optional 3 miles and 600' gain.

As far as I can tell, this is the quickest way to get to Messenger Peak. (Roundtrip stats from the other options: From Mill Creek, 28 miles; from Bear Divide, 44 miles; from Condor Peak Trail, 26 miles; from Soledad Canyon, 28 miles) .

Map: http://caltopo.com/m/CENB

Stats: 22 miles, 4100' gain. (with 3 miles 600' gain optional)