Telescope Peak in Death Valley
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Alex
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Telescope Peak in Death Valley
I would like to hike Telescope Peak in Death Valley in February. Suddenly, I've faced some problem trying to find any hotel/motel not too far away from it. I fly to Las Vegas and spend some time there, but I believe that riding from Las Vegas to the TH, hiking Telescope, and riding back to Las Vegas is too much for one day. Any suggestions where to stay closer to Telescope Peak TH would be appreciated.
The only thing better than mountains are mountains to which you have never been!
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interloper
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
There are multiple campgrounds near / at the trailhead. The upper road to the highest campground may be closed but the lower campgrounds should be open. That's what I would do. Much easier than driving in from Furnace Creek, Beatty, or Trona.
"May the good lord shine a light on you, warm like the evening sun." - Jagger-Richards, 1972
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greenonion
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
Maybe consider a roadside motel in Beatty, NV?? I don't have a specific one to recommend, and it's been a bunch of years since I've been through there. But it's a lot closer than LV. Or one of the campgrounds or facilities in Death Valley NP itself.Alex wrote: ↑Tue Jan 14, 2025 8:09 am I would like to hike Telescope Peak in Death Valley in February. Suddenly, I've faced some problem trying to find any hotel/motel not too far away from it. I fly to Las Vegas and spend some time there, but I believe that riding from Las Vegas to the TH, hiking Telescope, and riding back to Las Vegas is too much for one day. Any suggestions where to stay closer to Telescope Peak TH would be appreciated.
Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
Panamint Springs and Stovepipe Wells are the closest places with hotels to the Telescope Peak Trailhead. Stovepipe Wells is 39 miles from the Trailhead, which makes it the closest.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
In March a few years ago I slept in my car at the TH and nobody bothered me. Stovepipe Wells has a lodge if I remember correctly.
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wineguy
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
One of my favorite summits. I want to go back sometime. If I'm reading the NPS website correctly, I think the road to the TH is currently closed. I suggest you check with the Park Service about whether access is open. I've been following this for awhile, looking for an opportunity to return.
Edit: Google Maps shows access available from the north. I think I stayed in Ridgecrest when I climbed it, but this is less convenient with current access.
Edit: Google Maps shows access available from the north. I think I stayed in Ridgecrest when I climbed it, but this is less convenient with current access.
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." - Norman Maclean
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Alex
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
I've just found out that Emigrant Canyon rd./Wildrose area is closed for the repair until early March. So, Telescope is not approachable and I need some advice where else to hike in Death Valley. Basically I would like between 1500 and 3500 elevation gain, between 5 and 12.5 miles, and not more technical than class 2+ YDS.
The only thing better than mountains are mountains to which you have never been!
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nyker
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
The national park has some lodging, it may not be 10min away but I'd explore that if you want a bed. Otherwise plan on camping somewhere nearby, TH etc otherwise plan on a longer drive in the early morning. Think I drove about 2hrs to get to the TH when I did it.
Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
I really like Sidewinder Canyon, especially the side canyons. Marble and Deadhorse Canyons are nice too.Alex wrote: ↑Wed Jan 15, 2025 7:24 pm I've just found out that Emigrant Canyon rd./Wildrose area is closed for the repair until early March. So, Telescope is not approachable and I need some advice where else to hike in Death Valley. Basically I would like between 1500 and 3500 elevation gain, between 5 and 12.5 miles, and not more technical than class 2+ YDS.
If you want a peak you could try Corkscrew or Ubehebe Peaks. There are actually hundreds of peaks in the area, but those two are some of the best.
Las Vegas has a lot of nice peaks to climb in the area as well.
I'm old, slow and fat. Unfortunately, those are my good qualities.
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wineguy
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
Grapevine Peak in Nevada is the 81st most prominent in the lower-48, 4558' of prominence. Access is north of Beatty, it's in the Nevada part of Death Valley NP, great views of Death Valley, spitting distance of the CA border. Vertical and mileage sounds right in your strike zone,
"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters." - Norman Maclean
Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
Lookup Corkscrew and Pyramid peaks. More of a low-elevation desert vibe than the snowy, forested Telescope will have in winter, but very aesthetic and match what you’re looking for. Pyramid has some easy scrambling and routefinding. Watch for rattlesnakes.
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edmdais1
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Re: Telescope Peak in Death Valley
Corkscrew Peak is a fantastic winter peak. I did it last January. The views from the summit are pretty phenomenal and the trailhead access is easy.
