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Power Hikes: Death Valley Spring 2003
Itinerary:
Day 0 (Sat):
Goal:
Meeting spot: Saline Valley Lower Hot Springs
Map (*) F8; Book (*) p477; GPS ???
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=4073347&e=431170
Main attraction:
Hot springs.
The spring water is diverted to rock-rimmed concrete tubs where visitors can enjoy a hot bath in a serene oasis of fan palms and mesquite trees. The self-appointed caretakers who take turns living here keep the place clean and in good shape. It is very popular spot. On long weekends it has all the charm of a busy parking lot.
Topo map: SalineValley.gif
Day 1 (Sun):
Goal:
Big Horn Mine; Start from Saline Valley Rd.
Map G2; Book p500, p499; GPS ???
General information:
Distance 6.6 miles; Elevation Gain 5000 ft; Start 1600 ft; Destination 6600 ft
Start point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=4061694&e=424404&s=50
Main attraction:
Little Hunter Canyon spring at the mouth of Little Hunter Canyon (start point of this hike) is lush and well-watered. It is one of the largest and most interesting springs in Saline Valley.
At the summit you'll be standing on the brink of a bright abyss, almost a mile above an immense valley floor cocooned between alien ranges. Few views in the desert are as awe-inspiring.
Topo map: BighornMine.gif
Day 2 (Monday):
Goal:
Ubehebe Peak; start from Racetrack Valley
Map G4; Book p321; GPS ???
General information:
Dist. 2.8 miles; Elevation Gain 1968 ft; Start 3710 ft; Destination 5678ft
Destination point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=4060546&e=447791&s=25
Main attraction:
A spectacular climb, copper mines in a remote canyon.
Topo map: UbehebePeak.gif
Day 3 (Tuesday):
Goal:
Darwin Falls/China Garden Spring, start from Darwin Canyon.
Map K4; Book p509; GPS ???
General information:
Easy hike, avoiding rock climbing.
Destination point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=4018694&e=452322&s=25
Main attraction:
Lash narrow canyon with waterfalls, flora, birds, rock climbing.
Topo map: ChinaGardenSpring.gif
Day 4 (Wednesday):
Goal:
Wildrose Peak, start from Wildrose Canyon Road and Charcoal kilns
Map K8; Book p519; GPS ???
General information:
Dist. 4.2 miles; Elevation Gain 2164 ft; Start 6900 ft; Destination 9064 ft
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36.27583&lon=-117.07806
Main attraction:
Maintained trail to Wildrose Peak lies in the midst of the green pygmy forest that covers the high Panamints. Surrounded on all sides by dry desert, this ecological island is a rare treat that provides a pleasant mixture of sun and shade in the summer. The vegetation is largely mixed stands of single-leaf pinyon pines (the ground is covered with fragrant pine cones) and Utah junipers (most of which are infested with mistletoe). You will also find plants that thrive only at higher elevations, including big sagebrush, cliff rose, wild cabbage, tansybush, Panamint eriogonum, phlox, and grizzly bear pricklypear cactus, recognized by its long and thin spines.
Good acclamation for Telescope Peak.
Topo map: WildrosePeak.gif
Day 5 (Thursday):
Goal:
Telescope Peak, start from Mahogany Flat.
Map K8; Book p521; GPS ???
General information:
Dist. 6.5 miles; Elevation Gain 2929 ft; Start 8120 ft; Destination 11049 ft
Destination point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36.16972&lon=-117.08778
Main attraction:
Telescope Peak is "the roof of Death Valley," and one of the highest mountains in the deserts of California. The ultimate reward of this climb are the stunning views form the peak, which encompass much of the surrounding desert, from the hazy valley of Las Vegas to the distant Sierra Nevada. From the rocky summit it is more then 2 vertical miles down to the eerie swirls of Death Valley's salt pan-to get higher above ground in the lower 48 states, you'll have to fly.
Topo map: TelescopePeak.gif
Day 6 (Friday):
Goal:
Panamint City, start from Chris Wicht Camp
Map L7; Book p440; GPS ???
General information:
Dist. 5.1 miles; Elevation Gain ??; Start ???; Destination 6300 ft
Start point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36.11194&lon=-117.17528
Destination point:
http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?z=11&n=3996822&e=491500&s=25
Main attraction:
Legendary Panamint City. The city had the reputation of being one of the toughest towns in the West during the 1873 silver rush. Now ghost town with unusual accommodations, Hilton room for overnight stay for free included.
Day 7 (Saturday):
Goal:
Return to Chris Wicht Camp from Panamint City.
Back home or to annual Najmici's gathering at Bob and Warren's Cabin
Route: Butte Valley (http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=35.95528&lon=-117.05611) and Warm Spring Canyon.
Prerequisites:
Excellent physical condition, 4WD or high clearance car.
Needed items:
1. Additional gas.
2. A lot of drinking water.
3. Crampons/snow shoes (on Telescope Peak still can be a lot of snow)
4. Pump to purify water
5. Full camping equipment
6. Hiking gear.
(*) Info from Hiking Death Valley written by Michel Digonnet
(*) Guide to Death Valley, AAA Automobile Club of Southern California ISBN 1-56413-112-2
If you have more questions, please call me at (916) 985-6623 (evenings and weekends) or send me an email at andrew_wirkus@yahoo.com
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