TELESCOPE PEAK-DEATH VALLEY

I spent four days in Death Valley and on the last day I hiked to Telescope Peak with a few friends. Driving on the road to Mahoganny campground requires a high clearance vehicle. The weather forecast was a high of 50-degrees with wind gusts up to 45-50 mph at the summit. 

It was a beautiful, maintained trail with spectacular views. On the ascent, the wind was calm but it was very windy at the saddle and after the last two miles of the switchbacks which was the toughest part of the trail.

This was a training hike for Whitney. (I got my permit and am looking forward to a successful summit in September.) So, I was very proud of myself for not getting elevation sickness. This was my highest elevation hike of the year so far. 

Anyways, the summit views were breathtaking. I found two benchmarks and there was a register. We sat behind a rock wall and ate lunch. In my opinion, the wind chill was tolerable at the summit.

We hung out for almost an hour at the peak but later regretted it. As we descended the peak, the winds really picked up. I was freezing. The wind was so strong, and I felt as if it might knock me down. Even though I was prepared for the cold weather, it wasn't enough. We tried our best to hurry back but it was a long way to our cars and the wind never stopped.

Our plans to bag Bennet or Rogers peak on the return quickly came to a halt due to the freezing cold wind. Anyways, I really enjoyed hiking to Telescope but next time I'll wait for better weather conditions.

Stats: 16 miles, 3300' gain