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Hiking Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park

December 21, 2021 By Chris Griffith 3 Comments

Hiking Telescope Peak in Death Valley National Park

Standing over 11,000 feet above the lowest spot in North America is Telescope Peak. From its summit, you are rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Whitney to the west and Mount Charleston to the east. This challenging trail offers some unique views of Death Valley National Park as it climbs to this majestic peak.

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Trail Details
Summit Elevation: 11,331 feet
Distance: 13.5 miles
Time: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation gain: 2,883 ft
Dogs: No
When to go: Spring, Summer, Fall

Getting to the Trailhead

The drive to the trailhead can be a bit of an adventure depending on the vehicle you use and your comfort level with driving on dirt roads. The trailhead for this peak sits within Death Valley National Park (DVNP) next to the Mahogany Flats Campground. For many, they camp here before beginning their hike to the peak.

Coming from Southern California, take 395 north to Trona Road. Continue on Trona Road until it ends at Highway 178. Turning right onto 178 (also known as Trona Road), continue through Searle Valley and through the town of Trona. When you come to the junction with Panamint Valley Road and Trona Wildrose Road, stay to the right. After passing the Wildrose Campground, the next point of interest will be the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. The road beyond the kilns is unpaved and will be rough or closed during the snow.  Check road conditions on the DVNP Road Conditions Facebook page for its current status. There is just another 1.5 miles to go until you will reach the trailhead and campground. My Subaru Outback had no issues with the road.

Entering Death Valley National Park
Charcoal Kilns 2
Charcoal Kilns

There is a pit toilet at the campground, but no running water at the trailhead. There are ten first-come camping spots and an additional parking space for about five cars outside the campground.

Hiking Telescope Peak

When I hiked this peak, I camped at Mahogany Flats Campground. There was one spot occupied when I arrived, but by morning, about half of the sites were filled. It was windy that evening, so I used my car as a make-shift windbreak. By morning, the winds had calmed down and it was going to be a wonderful day of hiking.

Note: There are some back-country camp spots along the trail to the peak if you wanted to turn this hike into a backpacking adventure. Permits are optional but should be obtained in case of an emergency.

Just opposite the campground is the start of the trail. You should see some signage about the peak and a bit beyond that is a trail register. To the right of the trailhead is the service road that is used for the towers atop Rogers Peak.

Telescope Peak Trailhead sign
Telescope Peak Trailhead sign and register

The trail will begin a steep but steady climb along the eastern side of Rogers Peak. Initially, you will have some shade from the pinyon pines before it opens up.

Heading around Rogers Peak toward Arcane Meadow 2

You will be rewarded with some sweeping views of DVNP to the east as you continue on.

Looking eastward into Death Valley

Looking eastward into Death Valley. Badwater Basin is toward the right.

Once the trail turns southward, Telescope Peak will come into view. Continue your steady climb toward the saddle between Rogers and Bennett Peak.

Telescope Peak in the distance

Telescope Peak in the distance. That is ridgeline you will follow.

Here at Arcane Meadows would be one of the spots to camp, although it is a bit exposed. Now that you have reached this saddle, Panamint Valley will become visible to the west. Looking back northward, you can see the towers atop Rogers Peak. There is a faint use trail that can take you up to them if you have the energy.

Looking up at Rogers Peak from Arcane Meadow

Looking up at Rogers Peak from Arcane Meadow

The next two miles across Arcane Meadows gently pass to the east of Bennett Peak, offering a nice break from your first couple of miles. As you stroll through this section, take some time to look to the west and locate Mount Whitney, as well as White Mountain.

Looking up at Rogers Peak from Arcane Meadow
Looking up at Rogers Peak from Arcane Meadow
Arcane Meadow looking west toward the Panamint Range
Arcane Meadow looking west toward the Panamint Range
Looking northwest toward Mt Whitney
Looking northwest toward Mt Whitney

Once past Bennett Peak, the trail will follow the ridgeline toward Telescope Peak, which will have come back into view. The gentle grade that you have been enjoying will begin to increase.

Telescope Peak returning into view

Telescope returns into view

The trail will pass by several ancient bristlecone pines. These gnarled pine trees are some of the oldest living things on the planet! When not marveling at these trees, make sure you take in the view. Off to the east, you can view the Amargosa Range and Death Valley (including Badwater Basin), while to your west the Argus Range and Panamint Valley will be visible.

The flat stretch of the hike
The ‘flat’ section
Ancient Bristlecone pines
Ancient Bristlecone Pines
Bristlecone pines with Death Valley behind them

With about a mile to go to the summit, the intensity of the hike will pick up. Switchbacks work their way up the eastern slope of Telescope Peak. The thinner air and steep trail will give you a reason to take some short breaks while you climb ever higher.

The final stretch to the summit

After the switchbacks, you will reach a saddle between a false peak to the north and Telescope Peak to the south. Follow the narrow, but safe, ridgeline to the summit. Once there, sit back and take in the 360° views. Like its namesake, there should be a telescope you can use to get some closer views of the peaks around you.

Looking toward the southwest
Southwest
Summit with the telescope
Telescope Peak summit
Author Chris Griffith atop the summit
The Author
Telescope Peak summit panorama
Summit panorama

Once you are ready, just return the same way you came. For the slightly more adventurous, you can make a side trip up and over Bennett Peak.

Caution: Much of the hike is very exposed, so be aware of the weather when attempting this peak.

Telescope Peak Trail Map & Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
Download file: telescope.gpx

Camping

The trail to Telescope Peak begins next to the Mahogany Flat Campground (8,133 feet). It is open generally from March-November based on if snow is present. There are ten sites available on a first-come basis, each with a picnic table and fire pit. There is a common vault toilet as well. If all these spots are taken, the next closest campgrounds are the shaded Thorndike Campground (6 sites) two miles down-canyon and sunny Wildrose Campground (23 sites) 9 miles away at the mouth of the canyon. Those campsites are also free and also are on a first-come basis. Wildrose Campground does have water available is open year-round.

Mahogany Flat Campground sign
Campsite at Mahogany Flats
Sunrise from Mahogany Flats campground

Telescope Peak Resources

  • Mahogany Flat Campground
  • Telescope Peak info – National Park website
  • Telescope Peak weather – Mountain Forecast

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 11+ miles, Death Valley National Park, peakbagging, strenuous, Telescope Peak

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Chris G

About Chris Griffith

I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea-kayaker living in San Diego.

In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.

You can follow my hiking adventures at https://www.sdpeakbagger.com/

Comments

  1. Triund Trek says

    February 16, 2022 at 9:21 pm

    Very nice article As a travel blogger myself, The Solo Girl Traveler, I admire several travel bloggers for their amazing creativity, talent, and sense of adventure.

    Reply
  2. Robert Smith says

    February 25, 2022 at 3:11 am

    Hey Chris, it is spectacular views of Mount Whitney to the west and Mount Charleston to the east from over 11,000 feet above, and Telescope Peak, which is the lowest spot in North America. I like hiking and climbing. I have planned many trips to Arizona. It is also important for climbers and hikers to take essential hiking gear with them. I appreciate your work.

    Reply

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