Telescope Peak from Shorty's Well.

[Jim]

Late next summer/ early next fall, Telescope from Shorty's well near Badwater, in Death Valley NP. Hike only 15 miles from the starting point up to 11,049' with an AEG approaching 11,500'. A spring is located at about the 1/3 of the way point, and the rest of the way it's a carry your water hike. Summit same day, and either stay near or on the summit, but far more likely, descend a good way and overnight before exiting the next day. We'll have to carry a ton of water for part, and start early to avoid the heat below sea level.

Date TBD, maybe around the full moon on 9-30-2012?

I don't want to do 30 miles and that elevation up and down in 1 day, as I don't want to torture myself, but this looks like a good hard challenge for next year. I know overnighting adds weight, but not too much if done right. Anyone?

[gummo]

I can't go in June. I'm going to Glacier in June instead. Also, I just read your previous post. I'm not in the best shape either, but plan on going to Death Valley sometime this year or in 2013 (most likely 2013) with or without the company of others. If you'd go with me, I wouldn't care if we did the peak. I'm just interested in seeing wildlife - esp. snakes.

[Jim]

Well, OK. It's still early, and a lot can happen over the next 3 months, but my expectation for myself is that I will not be in the shape I want to be, to hike 11,000' and enjoy it, or succeed. My hope, is September, again, though for day length I prefer around the solstice. No one else seems to be reading this or willing to take the reins should I postpone a year, in that case, September is the best bet for the calendar year, for me, but again, a lot can happen and I may put it off to next year. I keep remembering my fatigue last year when I did 7600' on Mt Lemmon, and while believe I could have rested and done another several thousand vertical feet, I am no where near that shape at present, and am uncertain of the future.

[gummo]

I'm sure you could get people to go and you'l probably be in better shape in Sept than in June, as you, like most people in your area, are more active in summer. Plus, the weather wold be better suited for hiking, imo. Also, Labor Day weekend will have a full moon as well, and that'll, I assume, give you an extra day.