Peakbagger.com
Peak Lists	Climbers	Ranges	Geography	Help	Search	Log In

Ascent of Telescope Peak on 1998-09-10

Climber: Richard Carey

Date:

Thursday, September 10, 1998

Ascent Type:

Successful Summit Attained

Peak:

Telescope Peak

Location:

USA-California

Elevation:

11048 ft / 3367 m

Ascent Trip Report

Named in April, 1861, by W.T. Henderson because of the wide clear view from the summit. He accompanied an exploring party led by Dr. Samuel Gregg George into the Death Valley region in 1860. (Hanna, p.326) Henderson was probably the first white man to reach the summit.

In Death Valley National Park. No permit is required for day hikes in the park. Information on back country camping and regulations is available from the Park Superintendant, Death Valley, Ca. 92328. (760) 786-2331

There is a good trail to the summit starting from the end of the road at the Mahogany Flats Campground. The trail is 7 miles one-way with an elevation gain of about 3000 ft. Most hikers can make the hike to the top in from 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Views are spectacular and one can see from Badwater, the lowest point in the U.S., to Mount Whitney, the highest. Mount Whitney is 72.7 miles away on a bearing of 293 degrees. The hike is usually done from the first part of May to the end of November. Much of the hike is exposed on ridges so pack warm clothing in case of strong winds. The peak and trail is described in more detail in the book "Adventuring in the California Desert" by Lynne Foster, 1987. See page 217. 9/98 RLC

Summary Total Data

This page has been served 56 times since 2005-01-15.