How to Ascend the Highest Peak in Death Valley National Park

In the United States our National Resources are our monuments. Death Valley National Park in California is the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere and one of the hottest places in the world. It has so much to offer from abandoned ghost towns, desserts, to snow capped mountains. The highest peak, Telescope Peak, within the park is in the Panamint Range on the west. Telescope Peak rises 11,049 feet above sea level and lies only 15 miles from the lowest point in the United States in the Bad Water Basin salt pan, 282 feet below sea level. Here is how to ascend to the highest peak within Death Valley National Park.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sensible shoes, if hiking in the winter, winter clothing, gloves, boots, ice axe, crampons, cell phone, camera, maps

Hiking- Strenuous and for the most experienced

1. Before you begin your trek to Telescope Ridge, stop by the visitor center or one of the ranger stations to obtain topographical maps of the area.

2. Talk to the rangers and read the publications that are available on Telescope Ridge. Understand what equipment you need to have a safe trip.

3. Let someone know where you are going and take a cell phone with you in case you get into trouble along the way.

4. Start at the Trail head called Mahogany Flat Campground. Telescope Peak Trail is 7 miles one way. Hiking up the trail will take between 7 to 9 hours round trip.

5. If you are not up to hiking the entire distance of 7 miles, there is a graded gravel road to Charcoal Kilns. The final 1.5 miles to Mahogany flats are rough gravel road and you would need to be in a 2 wheel drive vehicle with a high clearance or a 4 wheel drive in winter and spring. You will have to hike the final 1 mile to the peak.

6. Walk on durable surfaces. Avoid walking on the vegetation and flora. Be aware that there are dangers in this area, rattlesnakes and mountain lions reside in Death Valley. Keep a watchful eye out for these inhabitants of Death Valley National Park.

7. Walk on the established trail whenever possible. Disperse into smaller groups of 3 or 4 people.

8. Carry your own water, springs may be dry or contaminated, one gallon of water or more per person per day is required to avoid dehydration.

9. Telescope Peak has an extremely steep grade for the last mile of ascent. If hiking during the winter you will need an ice axe, ropes and crampons. Wear winter clothing, gloves and boots. Be prepared for subfreezing temperatures during the winter months.

10. Starting at the trail head at 8,133 feet elevation, the trail climbs steadily as it heads around the east slope of Roger's Peak. At Arcane meadows the trees become scattered as the trail levels out.

11. The final ascent to Telescope Peak takes you through bristle cone pines that are mixed with limber pine. The trail then switches back up the east face. The summit is ultimately reached by traversing along a narrow ridge.

Tips & Warnings

• This trek is only for those people who are experienced climbers. Take pictures once you get to the top of the peak.
• Carry a cell phone. Let someone know where you are going. Wear proper clothing. Stay on the established trails.

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