Things You'll Need:
- Map of California Map of Joshua Tree National Park Hiking boots Water Sunscreen Camera
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Step 1
Make reservations at one of the several campgrounds within the park. Joshua Tree is one of the least visited National Parks in California, so you should have little difficulty reserving a site. Ryan Campground is just to the west of the mountain. Nearby, the city of Twenty-Nine Palms offers a variety of lodging accommodations. There are also several famous resorts just south in Palm Springs.
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Step 2
Plan a visit during the winter or spring. Avoid the extreme heat of the summer and note that fall can be unpredictable. Check at the Visitor Center for trail conditions and inclement weather conditions before setting out.
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Step 3
Locate Ryan Mountain on the park map, approximately halfway between the North and the West Entrance Station along the Park Boulevard Loop.
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Step 4
Stop at the Ryan Mountain Trailhead, located between the campground and Sheep Pass. There is parking on the side of the road.
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Step 5
Note that the first mile or so the climb is along the desert floor. Joshua trees dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see, appearing otherworldly. The trees are of particular interest in either the early morning or the late evening hours when stretching shadows of outreaching tree limbs appear like the marching undead.
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Step 6
Note that the climb is a direct assault on the mountain. As tedious as switchbacks may be, you'll welcome a few on this trail. There will be many moments to stop and catch your breath before continuing on.
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Step 7
Reach the peak and enjoy the desert view. There are several valleys below; Hidden Valley and the Keys Ranch lie just to the north. The peak to the northeast is Queen Mountain, 200 feet higher than Ryan, but without a trailhead.
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Step 8
Look to the south towards Keys View. If the pollution of the Los Angeles Basin has cleared, you can look down the San Bernardino Mountain Range and into the Coachella Valley, home to Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs.
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Step 9
Begin the descent back to Park Boulevard. Beware of the dangers of rolling scree that can cause either a fall or a sprain. Switchbacks are most welcome on such a descent.
Comments
xcarlx said
on 8/26/2009 ryan mountain is not even close to being one of the "tallest peaks" in so cal...mount San Gorgonio tops out over 11,000 feet, twice ryan mountain, and there are a dozen others over 8 thousand feet.