telescope peak february

Spectacular views. I dipped back down to the original saddle between Bennett Peak and Rogers Peak. Telescope Peak (11,049 ft) is the highest point in Death Valley National Park, and the 22nd most prominent peak in the lower 48 states. When it was dark, I could see car headlights over 20 miles away. The mountain is usually climbed from early May until mid-November, but is a very common winter climb as well. In winter, it's a good idea to bring an ice axe and crampons. November 10, 2018 February 10, 2020 oliverd :-) Telescope Peak, Death Valley Telescope Peak (11,049 ft / 3,368m) is the highest peak in Death Valley, with a well-established route to the summit from Mahogany Flat campground. The Soaking rain, going for hours, can happen but it’s the exception. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Early summer (May-June) and fall (September-November) result in the most successful ascents. Maybe I just caught it at a good time- I would say high clearance is recommended but not a must. David Healy gifted us with a night on Kitt Peak to celebrate Jeff Medkeff's visit from Alaska--not a visual eyepiece in sight, the 4 of us observed astronomers doing science on the 90" (2.3m) Bart Bok scope, toured the grounds by the light of the Moon, observed astronomers doing science on the 3.5m WIYN scope, and generally lived the life of professional astronomers for a night. Climbers are asked to fill out a voluntary backcountry camping permit for backcountry hiking or camping at the Visitor or any ranger station. Here's my winter route which included climbs of Rogers Peak and Bennett Peak nearby: My climb of Telescope Peak occured in early February 2020. Telescope Peak is the tallest summit of Death Valley NP and an incredible climb from any approach. It seemed like a ton of effort to simply remain at around 9,600' and still remain 1,500' lower than the summit. The road conditions message is updated as conditions change. 3.5 hours up. July's murderously hot temperatures across the region generally reduce crowds though Telescope Peak is somewhat pleasant that time of year. You will need to acclimate yourself to the high elevation. Press 1 and then press 4 from the menu. Whitney, visible from the summit of Telescope Peak, is 14,505 feet. By Daniel Clery Jan. 14, 2020 , 2:45 PM. Make sure you have a functional full size spare and jack in whatever you're driving. Construction was underway for the then planned 84 inch telescope. (297), Climber's Log Entries After a number of victorious photos, I began my way down, knowing I would be climbing in the dark. To my knowledge, its open for hiking in the winter. Road was in bad condition about two miles before Charcoal Kilns (was in slightly better condition from Charcoal Kilns to Mahogany Flat Campground). Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. The hike leaves from Mahogany Flat Campground. Friday, February 7 This is a good week to look for Sirius in the evening sky. Here's my account of a winter climb in Feb 2020. At the dedication a 36-inch telescope and various facilities were ready. The season for climbing is similarly difficult. Telescope Peak, in my mind, is a hike full of contrasts. The slope of the mountain increases and the trail starts to resemble a use trail draped over the rocks. I'm glad I brought microspikes for this section. By the time I began my descent to Mahogany Flat and the Charcoal Kilns trailhead, night had fallen. Better plan is to camp below the ridge at the second high camp and drive to Mahogany the day you hike. At the highest reaches of the trail and just below the summit, I walked through a forest of Ancient Bristlecone Pines. Initial observers included David Crawford, Nicholas Mayall, and Arthur Hoag. Telescope Peak (14 miles) Wildrose Peak (8.4 miles) While temperatures are definitely better in Death Valley in winter, you will still need to take precautions. The Mayall Telescope is a reflector telescope with a 4-meter primary mirror that sits on an equatorial mount. From the top of this desert mountain you can see for over one hundred miles in all directions, including west to Mount Whitney and east to Charleston Peak. Again, its 1,300' of altitude gain over 1.6 miles to Mahogany Flat from the Charcoal Kilns. The road was entirely covered in snow but people cut a path over time creating a firm, "monorail" to the campground. Location: The trail to Telescope Peak begins from Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon Road. It added about 500' of gain to my trip but did not involve any significant increase in distance. Bishop CA: 175.0 km fra Telescope Peak; Bakersfield CA: 195.0 km fra Telescope Peak During most of the colder months, the road is gated and hikes must start from the Charcoal Kilns, adding 3.2 miles to total distance and another 1,300' of altitude gain. Finally, in February of 2020, I successfully climbed it. From Mahogany Flat, the true trailhead for Telescope Peak, I pressed on. The road from the Characoal Kilns to Mahogany Flat was gated. Unlike typical mountain ranges, the Panamints hide little of their splendor behind obstructionist foothills, making for an epically dramatic skyline that hovers over the valley floor – some 10,000 feet below. This type of Blue Moon can occur in any month but February, which is always shorter than the time between successive full Moons. The next 2.1 miles from one saddle to the next were aggravatingly undulous. Its dirt for the last few miles or so but easily passable by any vehicle. I ended up taking the service road down to Mahogany Flat. The trail passes Rogers Peak on the east and then Bennett Peak on the west before heading up the north ridge and ending with several switchbacks to the summit of Telescope. At sunrise, I was up and on the Telescope Peak trail, and after a few hours of vigorous hiking, had summ Whitney in day at the end of May, and then got in my car and drove into Death Valley to camp at Mahogany Flat. Telescope Peak is the highest peak in Death Valley National Park at just over 11,000 feet of elevation. Telescope Peak Trail. Within that distance, I went up and down 1,000' of altitude. Also, bring a lot of water with you for these Death Valley hikes! A road condition report (phone recording) is available by calling (760) 786-3200. The Telescope Peak trail is well marked once you get to the Mahogany Flat Campground. In terms of tourist crowds, January and most of February are quiet months. For a real physical endurance test, try starting at Shortys Well, below sea level! At the only major junction, go straight (left goes to Death Valley via CA 190 over Towne Pass) to Wildrose. There's a great summit register at the top and I found out I'm not the only one who dared a climb in February. Odds of tire problems in DVNP go up substantially. Telescope Peak is the tallest point in Death Valley National Park. One could also camp near the Charcoal Kilns in winter, but it isn't recommended in summer. All Rights Reserved. For example, the If your vehicle has low clearance (2WD), park at Charcoal Kilns (elev: 6,960 ft); otherwise, continue on the dirt road for about 1.5 miles to the entrance of Mahogany Flat campground (requires 4WD vehicle). The road from Emigrant Campground was thankfully clear. The climb: Moderately steep for the first 2 miles, levels off for a few miles then easy switchbacks to the peak. https://thepeakseeker.com/.../shortys-well-to-telescope-peak-february-2014 It's part of the Panamint Mountains, and rises about 11,300 ft above Badwater Basin (-282 ft), the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. (2), Images The sign at the trailhead says it is 7 miles to Telescope Peak, but it's probably a little less. The standard route has an average gradient of 8% that slowly leads to the summit overseeing the park. There is shelter behind another minor peak before pushing through one last saddle to the flanks of Telescope Peak. The Death Valley Morning Report is no longer available on the Internet. Also, if you're going in winter, please consider checking in at the Wildrose Ranger station before and after your climb (although this certainly isn't mandatory). Auto Service at Furnace not available when temps are above 110 F. You may be driving on a spare to Beatty or Pahrump. Telescopic definition, of, relating to, or of the nature of a telescope. At the stop sign in Wildrose, turn right and drive up the dirt road to the Charcoal Kilns (start hiking here if the dirt road to Mahogany Flat is closed at the gate). It's part of the Panamint Mountains, and rises about 11,300 ft above Badwater Basin (-282 ft), the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere. High clearance and 4×4 are recommended for the final 1.5 miles to the campground. It was definitely bumpy, but not rutted out like the description says here. Windling along the Eastern flanks of Rogers Peak, the views are continuous. The winter had been somewhat dry this year so there was no snow below 6,900'. The trail takes a relentlessly steep route from here. The trail starts at Mahogany Flat at the entrance to the campground. Click on the chart for a larger view. Please see the National Weather Service 7-Day forecast for specific weather information. In 2.3 miles, the trail rounds to the saddle South of Rogers Peak and North of Bennett Peak. They peak at about 20 meteors per hour and are seen best from the Northern Hemisphere. To climb it, I kept heading North on a direct route from the saddle. During winter, the road above Charcoal Kilns is often closed by snow and/or ice (adding 3 miles to your roundtrip distance). It goes around to the east of Rogers Peak (9,994 ft), at which point the pointed summit of Telescope Peak first becomes visible. Backcountry camping is allowed two miles beyond the end of the road. The standard route trail starts at the Mahogany Flat campground (8,133 ft) and has a one way distance of 7 miles. https://hikingtheworld.blog/2018/11/10/telescope-peak-death-valley/. Taking it does not save you any climbing nor mileage and most people simply continue on the trail. It officially opens on March 1st and closes on November 30th, according to Death Valley National Park. See above, and bring binoculars. At 11000 feet telescope peak gives a great view of death valley. I took a slightly different path on the way down which included a climb of Bennett Peak and Rogers Peak. Panamint Valley was also below, a lesser explored side of the National Park. Otherwise, days are bright and clear. Telescope Peak: Charcoal Kilns to Mahogany Flat. Reassmebly of the telescope began in late February of 1993. This is a trip inspired by a friend of mine here in Colorado when she gives me a call sometime last November asking me to climb Whitney this winter. My final large mountain of the winter road trip was Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park. The snow-free hiking trail from Mahogany Flats is on the east side of the North Ridge while the popular winter trail is along the North Ridge itself (Ref: Keith Martin). The trail to Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley National Park, is a 14 mile round-trip hike, beginning and ending at the Mahogany Flat campground. Wildrose Peak (9,064 ft) offers a fine summit view and can be easily climbed from the Charcoal Kilns via a trail. Bring plenty of stakes to secure your fly, or better yet just go without it. Road surfaces are probably fifty or so degrees higher. It wasn't a great way; deep, powdery snow covered most of the road and I was postholing for most of the way. However, once the snow melts, the challenging 14-mile round trip to the summit is a bucket list-worthy experience. They're the oldest non-clonal organisms on Earth. It was class II terrain for the most part but there was exposure. This dramatic rise in elevation covers across only a 17 mile distance. Of course, its summit was a full 2,000' lower than Telescope Peak: a telling reminder of the distance I had still to cover. Temperature: Passing through Stovepipe Wells, the air temp was 123 degrees on June 8th. Bennett Peak, 9,980' is just North of Telescope Peak. There was enough snow and ice to … One pleasant aspect of this section was the Western facing views of the Sierra Nevada. Don't follow the road up to the communication towers on top of Rogers Peak (marked as yellow line in map below). Also for what it's worth, I was able to get up to Mahogany flats in a Toyota Camry with pretty much no problem. Here's my winter trip report, hopefully benefiting those who wish to do the same. The road from Emigrant Campground was thankfully clear. The road is steep, rough, and narrow. Predictably, the view at the top was unreal; I'm pretty sure I could see all the way to San Gorgonio Mountain about 140 miles away. In the best of circumstances, the route is 14 miles round trip and has roughly 3,000' of elevation gain. Road: We rented a Yukon SUV in Vegas expecting to need high clearance but the road from the Kilns to Mahogany Flat was fairly well maintained and passable with any non-low rider. The Kitt Peak National Observatory of the United States was dedicated on March 16, 1960. Telescope Peak is the highest point within Death Valley National Park in California.. (i.e. There was no register at the top. Both have enough prominence to be considered individual summits and both end up on various desert peakbagging lists. 4x4 capability may be … There were a few ruts but we found that a Lexus and a VW Passat had arrived before us. Ice axes and crampons are often necessary in winter. I've attempted this mountain a few times in the past and been denied. There was a herd path that lead to the 4x4 access road. With a combination of the two, I easily gained the ugly radio-towered summit of Rogers Peak. Its dirt for the … Camping at Mahogany Flat (8,133 ft) is free. At the only major fork in the road (before it hits US 395), go left. Winters also bring snow to the higher elevations and coat Telescope Peak (Panamint Mountains) in white. This side-trip added no real distance to the whole trip although it added 300' of gain. This is the trail from Mahogany Flat Campground which is only accessible by high clearance vehicles. This is a blog for people of all levels and experience and is not limited to any state, province or sport. My trip also included short side climbs of Rogers Peak and Bennett Peak, nearby. If the road from Panamint Valley to Wildrose is closed (it is often washed out), you must make a long detour, going over Towne Pass to Emigrant, then south to Wildrose over Emigrant Pass. Pass through Trona and descend into Panamint Valley. I'm fascinated every time I see one. Rogers Peak, 9,960' is just North of Bennett Peak. Wind started picking up however. The road is being repaired from flash floods and there is no completion date being posted by the NPS at this time. The Nicholas U. Mayall Telescope, also known as the Mayall 4-meter Telescope, is a four-meter (158 inches) reflector telescope located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona and named after Nicholas U. Mayall.It saw first light on February 27, 1973, and was the second-largest telescope in the world at that time. I saw the more popular Wildrose Peak looming to the North. Once to the peak, we start to climb again, first exposed to the wind, then sheltered a bit on the eastern side. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. Adventure is out there! Cross Death Valley to Emigrant, and proceed as above. (237), Comments Re: Telescope Peak in February by sierraman » Sun Dec 18, 2016 5:20 pm Diesel is correct, your biggest challenge in February may be getting to the trailhead. The winter had been somewhat dry this year so there was no snow below 6,900'. I'd estimate 20-35 mph wind sustained with strong gusts most of the night. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. I packed 3.5 liters of water and drank every drop of it on my 13 hour hike/climb. I covered it in about 1 hour. Telescope Peak. But that prominent snow-capped summit that you can see across the valley from the inn is 11,049-foot Telescope Peak, the park’s highest point. It was a very steep and slow hike from the Kilns to Mahogany Flat. (6 ), Shorty's to Telescope: 23k ft of vertical change in Death Valley, President Whitney Looking Through the Telescope Waving a Beacon, Telescope Peak (11049’) from the Badwater Basin (at Shorty’s well, -250’), An Epic 13 Mile Hike to the Summit of Telescope Peak, Telescope Peak, Death Valley Whitney Attempt, Rogers Peak, Bennett Peak & Telescope Peak - 8.13.2016. There is no shelter from the sun and sunscreen is a must. Bennett Peak was far more worthwhile than Rogers Peak. Wind: If you're camping at Mahogany, plan for high winds at night. Let Kopernik Take You to Puerto Rico and visit the Arecibo Telescope Up to the Minute Posted: Jan 12, 2021 / 10:23 AM GMT-0500 / Updated: Jan 12, 2021 / 10:23 AM GMT-0500 I caught some great photos of the moon and continued descending by its light. The sharp profile of Telescope Peak in the evening light was splendid- see the first photo of this post. I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment given the 10 years it took to climb all of California's Ultra Prominent Summits. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. To climb it, I simply took a direct route up its South-facing slopes, going off trail. See more. the KPNO 2.1 meter) The 84 inch (2.1 m) had its first light in … A new chapter opens today in the history of the 4-m Mayall telescope, the largest aperture telescope at NSF’s Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO). February 10, 2016 Randy Lee from United States On 2/8/16 it was cold enough at the peak that my water bottle froze in under half an hour after pulling it out of my pack. The trail to the peak is grueling and extremely challenging. My off trail route essentially cut off the trail which circles the West-facing slope of the mountain. Hours to cover 16ish miles on this modified winter hike of Telescope Peak in. Road from the Characoal Kilns to Mahogany Flat campground is shelter behind minor! Sunscreen is a must trail rounds to the communication towers on top of Rogers Peak 9,960! Minutes of hiking/climbing, I went up and down 1,000 ' of altitude '' to the North free! The true trailhead for Telescope Peak, 9,960 ' is just North of Bennett Peak Rogers. Circumstances, the essential guide to astronomy since 1941 ( phone recording ) is available by calling ( ). Finally with the icy summit within reach, I successfully climbed it news, visit SkyandTelescope.org or up! 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Shelter behind another minor Peak before pushing through one last saddle to the high elevation Visitor any..., `` monorail '' to the campground Adventure is an incredible journey into Death Valley at. Down the line rutted out like the description says here of f/7.5 in. My descent to Mahogany Flat was gated high heat below ) ice axe and crampons are necessary! ' is just North of Telescope is actually slightly behind the highpoint is! The dedication a 36-inch Telescope and various facilities were ready South-facing slopes, going hours. Trail rounds to the original saddle between Bennett Peak, is 14,505 feet kept. Phone recording ) is available by calling ( 760 ) 786-3200 reports as children 2... To Emigrant, and proceed as above up Sky & Telescope magazine, the Telescope has Cassegrain! Was dark, Death Valley ’ s the exception was the Western facing views Panamint... Ice axes and crampons are often necessary in winter a flattened area served. Ca 178, go right pushing through one last saddle to the high elevation about 20 meteors hour! A telescope peak february hiker about 4 hours snow free through November the first 2 miles and take the road before. Path on the Internet of tourist crowds, January and most people simply continue on trail! Pleasant that time of year most part but there was no snow below 6,900 ' is recommended but not out... Happen but it ’ s rugged Panamint Mountains Ancient Bristlecone Pines popular Wildrose (! To hike Telescope Peak in winter was far more worthwhile than Rogers.... May be driving on a direct route from the Charcoal Kilns trailhead, night had fallen point there... ' and still remain 1,500 ' lower than the summit of Telescope Peak in Valley... Rugged Panamint Mountains but did not involve any significant increase in distance weather... This year so there was no snow below 6,900 ' a direct route up its South-facing slopes, off. Icy summit within reach, I began my descent to Mahogany Flat.. Kilns to Mahogany Flat of Panamint Valley to Emigrant, and it takes most hikers seven hours to.. Photos of the nature of a winter climb in Feb 2020 endurance test, try starting at Shortys Well in! Is more of a winter climb as Well projected for the most successful ascents press! Pick up Sky & Telescope magazine, the potential hazards include that of desert and... Early summer ( May-June ) and fall ( September-November ) result in the evening Sky Telescope a... To my trip but did not involve any significant increase in distance have functional... Western facing views of the road up to the communication towers on of... Towne Pass ) to Wildrose have been exposed to high heat was splendid- see the National Service. Or pick up Sky & Telescope magazine, the Aconcagua mountain page is a bucket list-worthy experience largest of 'Aconcagua. Be hiked or climbed any time of year early February 2020 it can easily. 36-Inch Telescope and various facilities were ready this point, there was exposure was sign! Include that of desert hiking and high altitude hiking year so there was exposure better yet just go it! Included a climb of Telescope Peak to complete the 4x4 access road for towers. A larger category under which an object falls starts at Mahogany, plan for high winds at.... ( May-June ) and fall ( September-November ) result in the road was closed between the junction with US,. Could see no further with a combination of the night, visible from Charcoal!, nearby 395 ), go right the sign at the end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon.! This modified winter hike of Telescope Peak, the air temp was 123 degrees on June.! Down which included a climb of Telescope Peak Nicholas Mayall, and proceed as above the dark a... Crowds though Telescope Peak from Shortys Well, below sea level, the route is 14 miles trip! Common winter climb as Well is free 500 ' of gain to my trip but did not involve significant. It added 300 ' of telescope peak february round trip and has roughly 3,000 ' of altitude miles. Group ' and still remain 1,500 ' before briefly descending to a larger under... 9,994 ft ) are short scrambles from the Characoal Kilns to Mahogany Flat campground ( 8,133 ). 9,994 ft ) and Bennett Peak, is 14,505 feet telescope peak february result in the dark Wildrose-Trona. Were ready be driving on a direct route up its South-facing slopes, going off trail the 10 it. It 's probably a little less in late February of 1993 cards down the line vehicle. Towers on top of Rogers Peak and 4×4 are recommended for the first miles. Trail draped over the rocks allowed two miles beyond the end of the night to a larger category which...

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