W6/ND-196 Dome Mountain

 I had just come down from the Almond Mountains and was in the wide, flat col separating those from Dome Mountain. I had picked out a ridge to go up while studying the map, and as I crossed the flat area I could see I had picked a good one. It was the least steep of the ways to get up.

The day is getting sunnier!

Like most climbs, it started out gently and got steeper as I got higher. There were a decent number of rocks which was nice to get out of the grass for a few moments. The grass really liked to leave seeds and other sharp things in my socks.
 

Halfway up the ridge, summit visible again.

It did get windy again as I climbed. The breeze was cool, but not as bad as on Almond Mountains since the sun had come out and warmed everything up a bit. There were a few small false summits that I went over or around as I desired, and I was soon at the summit. There is a USGS disk, and I nearly got knocked over by the wind when I stopped to take a picture of it.

A dangerous picture

The view north.

 I got out of the wind as best I could and got on the air. I had cell service for spotting. The bands seemed a little better than in the morning, I got more contacts including some DX. It felt like it was getting late, and I still had a long, unknown descent, so I didn't spend too long. 

Wide, flat valley on the way down.

 I left the summit heading west, following the ridge down to a wide, flat high valley. I turned south and followed the valley to its south end where there is a small east-west ridge. From the ridge I picked the best looking reentrant to descend. The choices were steep and very steep, so pick your poison. All the options end up in the same wash which heads south towards the road. I took the wash down until I reached the road. 

Last view before the descent.

 Back on the road it was a quick few miles back to the car. After a few stretches I drove back into town for a shower and some well-deserved dinner.

 

 

Trailhead: As far down Granite Wells Road as you can or will drive

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: From the road south of the peak, go up the wash to the ridge, the take the wide valley across the the last climb up the ridge.

Red Tape: None. 

W6/ND-235 Almond Mountains High Point

 It was a cool and overcast day in Ridgecrest as I left the hotel for the trailhead. The ground even appeared to be wet, and I quickly realized it had rained overnight. Not what I was expecting for the day. Just past Johannesburg I turned north onto Trona Road, then pulled off onto Granite Wells Road. There was some space to park on the dirt road. I left the car here, and started down the road. 

Dome Mountain, my second summit for the afternoon.

The road was in good condition, and my rental sedan could have made it a few miles down without any trouble. But I needed to get some miles in so I ran it. It was cool and overcast, and much more humid that you'd expect for the desert. Just strange weather conditions. About four miles from the road, after going over a small col, there was a turn off with a small trail to some petroglyphs. It seemed like a good spot to leave the road and head cross-country.

The Almond Mountains, looking ominous.

I needed to cross an open, mostly flat area to get to the base of the Almond Mountains. I knew where I wanted to aim for after studying the maps, but I kept an eye out in case I saw a better route on the way over.

The rain did make the flowers bloom.

The first half of the crossing was straightforward, but the second half was not. It had more erosion channels, getting worse as I got closer to the slopes. Nothing that couldn't be crossed, but annoying nonetheless. I tried staying in the bottom of the gullies, but that wasn't any easier and it made it harder to check I was still heading in the right direction. Eventually I made it to the base of the climb.

Almost on the ridge.

 I didn't see any route up the steep climb that was obviously better, so I just started up. The nature of the terrain encouraged me to drift away from the peak, but I didn't realize that until I got onto the ridge farther away from the summit than I had intended. No matter, it was easy going on the ridge. The wind had really picked up though. I was a bit concerned I'd freeze while trying to do the activation, but I was warm enough while moving. 

On the summit looking in the stormy direction.

On the summit looking in the sunny direction.

 I was a little surprised to find an ammo box with a register at the summit, which was at the far end of the ridge. I was getting blown around there, so I went down the lee side a little before getting on the air. I had cell service, and was able to spot and get my contacts. The view was excellent, but I was getting cold so I didn't spend too much time enjoying it. And there was another summit on the list for today. 

On the desert floor again.

 I retraced my steps back down the ridge, but went straight down towards Dome Mountain at the end. The descent was steep, and I warmed up quickly as I got out of the wind and the sun started to come out. Back on the desert floor, I made a beeline for Dome Mountain.

 

Trailhead: As far along Granite Wells Road as you can or will drive.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Head across the desert towards the base of the mountain. Pick a good place to climb on to the ridge, then follow the ridge around to the summit.

Red Tape: None. Don't wander into the nearby military base.

W6/ND-317

This peak is not much to look at from a distance, but was a nice hike. Red Rock Canyon State Park is just north of a small fault line, and it creates a stunning escarpment. This peak is the southernmost SOTA peak along the escarpment ridge. I wanted to get some miles in, so I parked across the park in an unmarked dirt lot on the side of Highway 14 at about 35.37715, -117.98062. This seems to be a real trailhead, and I saw other people parked here or starting their OHV drives when I got back later.

Starting up a wash.

The road parallels the highway for a little, then turns and starts up a canyon wash. The surface changes from constructed road to just sand and gravel here. Definitely something you need real OHV to drive. It was much nicer in the canyon away from the road, and I enjoyed my jog up. There was a small slot canyon to go through, so that was fun.
 

Some of the red rock canyon?

At the top of the canyon the road made a u-turn around a ridge to the south, then turned again to continue north through a parallel canyon. At the top of this climb was a nice view of the wide canyon in the middle of the park. I took in the view, then crossed the canyon. 

Summit finally in view.

On the ridge on the other side, the road got much rougher but it was still easy to follow. Up out of the canyons the wind started to pick up as well. It wasn't a hot day, but the breeze did feel nice. After traversing the ridge for a while I made it to the turn off spot. This was right below a sub-peak. I went around it on the south side then was on the summit. I didn't see any register, so I found a nice spot to set up to make some contacts.
 

Looking south, more or less.

 

The HF bands were good, but I didn't get anyone on VHF. I thought there would be people out and about in the desert since it was the weekend. Once I was done I packed up and took the same route back. This went well, until I made a wrong turn in the first canyon and ended up at the top of a large cliff. Thankfully it was a short backtrack to the correct branch of the canyon and back to the car.

Canyon walls.

There were some other people parked in the lot when I returned, and someone drove in to start there OHV adventure. I was a bit surprised since I hadn't seen anyone on my run.

Trailhead: At the dirt lot at (35.37715, -117.98062)

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Take the OHV trails through the canyons and up to the summit.

Red Tape: None. 

Not the way to go!

W6/SS-435

 I was on the summit of Noname Peak, and it seemed foolish not to tag this peak while I was on the ridge. It was a quick and steep descent to the small sub-peak on the ridge, then a short climb up to the top. I looked around, and noted my ascent to record in Peakbagger later.

Along the ridge.

There were a few cliffy areas to avoid on the way to the main col, but the cliff bands were short enough that it was easy to go around if they were too high to step over. I managed to arrive at the high point of the col to avoid extra climbing. I did stop, however, to empty the sand out of my shoes.

Near the summit.

 The climb up to the summit wasn't long or hard, but felt that way after the big climb up to Noname Peak. I was at the summit pretty quickly. On the air, band conditions seemed better, and I quickly got enough contacts. The weather, however, seemed to be getting worse. The breeze was cool, and it seemed like a storm front was making in. I wasn't in the mood to linger, so I packed up after a short time.

The descent was steep and sandy. I had to stop multiple times to empty the sand out of my shoes. I really was wishing for some gaiters. At the bottom is a small stream. It was a little tricky finding a place where I could jump across, since the brush was so thick along both sides. After crossing it was quick back to the car along a dirt road.

 

Trailhead: Nine Mile Canyon Road, at the LA aqueduct.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Use the access road to cross the canyon, then pick you own way to the top.

Red Tape: None.

 

W6/SS-433 Noname Peak

 Noname Peak might be officially un-named, but some places give it this name, so that's what I'll use. The peak is an unremarkable summit east of the Sierra crest near 9 Mile Canyon Road. I parked at an open area along the aqueduct service road. Google has a marker called "Los Angeles Aqueduct 1" near the spot I parked. The dirt road was rough, but short enough the rental sedan I had could make it. 

Aqueduct selfie.

From here I took the road down and across the creek, then back up. Where the acqueduct started following the contours I left the road and started going straight up the hill. It was steep and sandy, which made for slow hiking. I surprised a rattlesnake, and had to make a detour.

Leaving the road. 

Thankfully it was not hot, and there was enough breeze to make the hike up tolerable. It was a slog. Eventually I reached a ridge that lead to the summit, and followed that. It was nice to have some rocks and relatively flat ground to walk on. 

Looking towards the Sierra crest

The summit was broad, with a Joshua tree near the high point. It made a convenient support for my antenna wire. It was cool on top, and it looked like a storm system was moving in. It did actually rain that night. The radio conditions were terrible. It took a lot of work to get my four contacts.

Radio time.

I didn't realize it at the time, but this summit put me over 2000 points for my double goat. Not knowing, I didn't celebrate. Instead I packed up and headed across the ridge to Noname's slightly lower neighbor for another activating, praying the radio gods would be happier in an hour. 

 

Trailhead: Nine Mile Canyon Road, at the LA aqueduct.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Use the access road to cross the canyon, then pick you own way to the top.

Red Tape: None.

W6/SS-371 Morris Peak

 It had been a hot few days in the desert, and I wanted to get out of the heat, so I decided a higher peak in the Sierra would be the answer. Morris Peak fit the bill, a pleasant 9 mile round trip high enough to get out of the heat. I drove up to Walker Pass where I parked below a Joshua tree in the large dirt pullout.

PCT northbound trailhead.

My plan was to take the PCT to the col below the summit, then the use trail the last half mile or so to the top. It was pleasantly warm, with a nice breeze at the trailhead and I headed north on the PCT. It had been a while since I last hiked on the PCT, and I forgot how well graded it is. Great for running.

So many flowers.

As I rounded the side of the first hill, the trail began crossing a field of yellow flowers. Very pretty. I enjoyed the flowers, the the switchbacks up to the ridge. Once I reached the ridge, the trail flattened out and began traversing below the peaks. It was mostly on the north side, which meant trees and views towards Lake Isabella.

Looking north.

Views of the summit.

From the col southwest of the summit I stepped off the PCT and quickly found the use trail that goes up the south face to the top. It was a lot steeper than the official trail, but not too bad. Having a trail, even a steep one, made the final ascent much faster. At the summit I signed the register at the high point, then descended slightly to a shady flat area. Here I put up an antenna and started calling CQ.

On the air.

I had cell service, and had no trouble making contacts. Even in the cooler temperatures up at 7000 feet I was glad there was some shade to stand in. I tried VHF, but didn't get any takers. The desert VHF community doesn't seem very active. Once I was done I packed up and headed back the same way I came up. 

PCT cutting across the mountain.

The run back down was much faster than on the way up. I passed one or two people backpacking, but I think it was too early in the season to see any thru hikers. Back at the car I enjoyed the cooler temperatures before heading back down into the hot desert. Little did I know it was about to cool down.

 

Trailhead: Walker Pass (CA 178)

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Take the PCT up to the col southwest of the summit, then the use trail up to the top.

Red Tape: None.

W6/ND-337

 This desert peak is a short distance east of Ridgecrest. It is unremarkable, other than having the prominence required to be a SOTA peak. After a late night, I woke up and headed out. It was hot, but I was looking to get a little heat training in, so I didn't mind. Since I wanted to get some distance, I parked on the side of Trona Road, just south of the intersection with Randsburg Wash Road.

Near the start, looking towards the summit.

I could see some roads and use trails on the satellite view of the area, so I figured it would be an easy run through the desert. It took a little searching to find the road I wanted, parallel to Randsburg Wash Road, but once I did it was smooth sailing. The road was fairly straight, going through a few washes as it crossed the desert. 

About to head up the hill.

At the base of the hill there is a road that leads from the paved road to the col. This is where most people seem to start the hike. With some clearance you could drive to the col on the sandy road, otherwise it would be a shorter hike from the pavement. I took this road up to the col, then picked the slope to the top that looked best. Probably whichever you pick will be fine, the mountain is not too steep.

Looking towards the Owens Valley. Southern Sierra on the left.

The top was a bit rockier, but still class 1 the whole way. The view on top was pretty nice. On one side I could see the southern Sierra, China Lake, and even Telescope Peak in Death Valley. Views south were blocked by higher hills. There was good cell service on top, and I had no problem spotting. Band conditions weren't good enough to get everyone who wanted to work me, but I was able to make enough contacts. 

Looking back at where I came from.

I took a different ridge back down to the col. It didn't seem any better or worse than the way I had gone up. From there it was a quick jog along the col road to the parallel road and the car. The A/C had nearly cooled the car back down by the time I got back to the hotel in Ridgecrest.

Trailhead: Along Trona Road or Randsburg Wash Road, depending on how many miles you want to hike.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Head across the desert, taking roads if available, to the col northwest of the summit, then go straight up to the top.

Red Tape: None. Some areas are part of military bases, so watch out for signs.

W6/CT-266 Mt Bliss

 After activating Monrovia Peak I was hot and starting to run low on water, but I was still on top of the ridge and had a long way down. I had enough, though, to swing by Mt Bliss on the way down. From the road on the ridge below the Monrovia summit, I headed down. At the Sawpit Truck Trail (2N30.1) I turned right and started really going down. This road switchbacks down the southeast face of Monrovia, and had some nice views. I didn't enjoy them very much since I was getting hot.

Mt Bliss seen from the side of Monrovia Peak.

I did pass another running heading up, which surprised me. I thought the area was fairly remote. After a few miles of quick switchbacks I reached White Saddle and turned left onto 1N36 for the climb up to the summit. This was a gentle climb. From studying maps beforehand, I hadn't seen a trail to the summit, so knew I'd have to bushwhack to get to the firebreak along the ridge. I picked a spot that looked good, and went up through the brush.

Monrovia Peak.

It was steep, but I soon got to the ridge. Turning around, I could see that if I had continued a little farther along I could've taken a use trail the whole way. Oh well. A few more feet of climbing and I was on the summit. This peak was even sunnier and hotter than Monrovia had been a few hours before. I didn't waste time getting on the air, since my water was running low. I had some cell service, but it wasn't great.

Summit sign and register.

Once I had made my contacts I headed down, taking the trail this time. It was a quick jog back to the Sawpit road. I was pretty happy the road has some stream crossings, I was able to dip my hat and arms in the water to cool off a bit. The dirt ends at the entrance to the boy scout camp, but there is still a few miles back to the car. At the Monrovia Canyon Park I saw a water fountain and stopped to drink and fill up my bottles. From there it wasn't far back to the car, but having plenty of water made it much more pleasant.

Trailhead: Intersection of North Canyon Blvd and Ridgeside Dr.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: From Monrovia, head down the Sawpit truck road to White Saddle, then up to the summit. There is a use trail, so no bushwhacking required.

Red Tape: None.

W6/CT-028 Monrovia Peak

 I was down in southern California for a visit, so it was time to do some peakbagging. My goal for this day was to get Monrovia Peak and Mt Bliss, and the other small summits along their ridges. Based on other trip reports, I decided to do a big loop. From the airport I drove to Monrovia, and parked on North Canyon Blvd at the intersection with Ridgeside Drive. From here it was a short walk up Ridgeside to the start of the Lower Clamshell Truck Trail.

Start of the trail.

 

The gate was open, which was good, and I headed up. It wasn't very busy, but I did pass some people out for their Easter morning walks. After about a mile the truck trail reaches a saddle. The trail continues down the other side but I turned right and followed the fire break up the crest of the ridge. It started out ok, but, as expected, became quite steep.

Someone put a flag at this viewpoint.

It took a while to hike up the steep fire break, and it got warmer as I hiked. As I climbed I started to get views of the forested ridge top, and other peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains. It was a relief when I reached the top. I took the short spur to Clamshell Peak, then returned and went down the steep hill to the fire road below. The road was generally in the forest, which was a nice break. 

Final section of fire break.

Finally I reach the spot to rejoin the firebreak along the ridge for the final climb. It felt steep since I was hot and tired, but it wasn't too long. First I went over Rankin Peak. There was a wooden sign on the summit. I'm not sure why, the summit wasn't remarkable in any way. One last small col, and I was on the summit. The views were nice, but it was hot in the sun and the bushes weren't big enough to provide any real shade.  

Summit sign and register.

I signed the register and put up my antenna. Cell service wasn't very good, but I had enough to get out a few spots. Once I was done playing radio, it was a short and steep trip down the fire break to the road. Back on the road, I headed over to my next summit, Mt Bliss.

 

Trailhead: Intersection of North Canyon Blvd and Ridgeside Dr.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Head up the Lower Clamshell truck trail to the col, then follow the firebreak to the ridge. On the next road, go up, then take the firebreak to the summit.

Red Tape: None.

W7A/MN-135 Javelina Summit

I was on my way back home, but I had time for one more summit before heading to the airport. This peak in the suburbs of Phoenix fit the bill. I drove to Skyline Regional Park and parked in the main lot at the end of the road. From here it was a pleasant few miles up to the summit.

First view of the summit. 

I took the Quartz Mine trail to the Tortuga trail, then up the Javelina Summit trail. Quartz Mine was relatively flat, lots of small ups and downs. About half a mile from the main parking lot the trail passes another, smaller parking lot. If you were looking to minimize distance, that would be a better place to start. 

Getting closer.

After a short jaunt on the Tortuga trail I turned onto the Javelina Summit trail. This is where most of the climbing is. It was still early enough it wasn't super hot yet, and that made the climb a lot more pleasant. The trail was in good shape, like the others in the park. After a few days of peakbagging off trail, or with unmaintained trails, it was like being on a superhighway. Its amazing how much easier travel is on a trail.

Summit post. All the junctions were well marked with similar posts.

There wasn't anyone else on the summit. After taking in the view of the western Phoenix suburbs, I set up the radio. As I expected there was good cell service on top, and I had no trouble spotting. 

Just below the high point.

To get back to the car I simply retraced my steps. It seemed like the park was more crowded when I got back. There were still parking spots available. I took advantage of the flush toilets at the trailhead, the headed out to the airport for my flight home. 
 

Trailhead: Main parking lot of Skyline Wilderness Park

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Take the Quartz Mine to Tortuga to Javelina Summit trails. Or pick your own way for a longer hike.

Red Tape: None. 

One more saguero picture

W6/SD-417 Pasadena Mountain

Across the Colorado River from Yuma is this low range of mountains. The southernmost one is Pasadena Mountain, my goal for the day. Other hikers on Peakbagger had indicated there is a trail that goes to the summit, but I was a bit concerned about reaching the trailhead. I didn't know how the unpaved desert roads would be, and didn't really want to get my rental car stuck.

Pasadena Mountain rising from the desert floor.

I decided to just drive as far as I could up Sidewinder Road, and walk the rest of the way. The road was ok, until I found some soft sand. I turned around, giving the traction control a real workout, and parked on the west side of the road in a large, flat, well-packed dirt area. There were other cars here, and it seemed to be a popular area to use for OHV or free camping.

The turnout at the base of the trail is lined by these white quartz rocks.

I thought about following the road up and then over to the trailhead, but it turns out going cross-country was just as easy, if not easier. The ground was hard packed dirt and small stones, except in washes. I made good time, crossing under a set of high voltage lines then finding the road that goes around the base of the mountain. The turnout was easy to find as it was lined by white rocks.

Looking south at Pilot Knob.

The trail was reasonably well worn at the bottom, and gave me hope it would be an easy hike. My optimism was somewhat misplaced though. The trail went to the top, but in a lot of sections it was overgrown and hard to follow. Certainly not as nice as people a few years ago had it. If the trail got more foot traffic, it would go a long way to keeping it clear of grass. 

The interior of the range.

At the top of the hill it flattens out a bit, and I mostly lost the trail here. I found it again at the base of the final summit climb. Luckily, the terrain is open and not having a trail was not a big deal. After the last short push to the summit, I stopped to enjoy the views. Getting the radio out I discovered I had good cell service and the bands were cooperating. 

Just north of the summit, with Pilot Knob in the distance.

Going down was easier, both because I no longer needed to fight against gravity and because I could follow my track from the way up. However, a splinter or something worked its way into my shoe and sock and started stabbing me every few steps. It was quite painful and frustrating trying to find it in my foot. Back at the car I was just glad I didn't have to walk on the splinter any more and could go take a shower. My return, however, was delayed as I had to wait for a long freight train before I could get back to the freeway.

 

Trailhead: As far up Sidewinder Road as you can drive.

Website: SOTA Site.

Maps: AA6XA SOTA Hikes map.

Route: Walk across the desert aiming for the trailhead, which you hopefully have drawn or your map. The follow the trail as best as you can to the top.

Red Tape: None.