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| Hiking | 1.00 Miles |
750 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.00 Miles | 45 Mns | | 1.33 mph |
| 750 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | I hiked the abridged version of this trail, which Preston Sands briefly mentions in the beginning of his write-up of the full China Peak hike. FR 697 probably sees very little use throughout the year due to its ruggedness, but since I hiked during deer hunting season, several other trucks had also made the climb that weekend. Gordon Camp is a valley-like area which is about one mile south of China Peak and about two miles north of Middlemarch Road.
The Gordon Camp area is relatively small, and closely surrounded by looming granite mountains, but there is still enough space to accommodate 2-3 separate groups of campers, still having some space between them for privacy.
I recommend making the drive up to Gordon Camp in either of two circumstances: (1) you don't have enough time or energy to start the hike down at the junction of Middlemarch Road and FR 697, or (2) you'd like to car-camp overnight at a higher elevation in order to enjoy some cooler weather. I fell into the latter category, and hiked from Gordon Camp to China Peak a few times during the weekend, while enjoying cool mornings and evenings due to great sun blockage by the trees and surrounding mountains. In any case, *do not* attempt to drive up FR 697 to Gordon Camp without a reliable, high-clearance 4WD vehicle. Additionally, you will probably find that the narrowness and agility of a jeep or compact pickup would make for a more comfortable drive than a bulkier full-size pickup.
As for the hike itself, start north on the road that goes through Gordon Camp. After several hundred yards, the road turns to the left (east) near a small mineshaft entrance which bears a threatening sign warning you of the dangers of entering abandoned mines. After another several hundred yards, the road comes to a T -- the left path dead-ends after a few hundred yards, and the right path ascends toward China Peak. At this point, you probably have about a half-mile (and a 750ft elevation gain) before you reach the top.
The road switches-back numerous times as you ascend, and although you will encounter a small number of forks in the road, the "wrong" turns always dead-end within a very short distance. I actually recommend checking out these brief "wrong" turns, partly to satisfy curiosity and partly because it might help you avoid falling into an open mineshaft if you stay on the Peak until sunset and get careless while hiking down in the dark.
As you approach China Peak, you will also find that the makers of this old mining road apparently grew tired of making switchbacks, and instead blazed a road straight up the south side of the mountain as it nears the top. After two short but very steep stretches of trail, only a short distance remains before you reach China Peak. At this area just below the peak, I noticed several piles of bear scat, as well as some deer tracks. Proceed to the peak, and enjoy the views all around you. |
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"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. Yet to camp out at all implies some measure of this delight."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, The Publishers' Weekly, Nov. 25, 1905 |
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| Hiking | 1.00 Miles |
750 AEG |
| | Hiking | 1.00 Miles | 45 Mns | | 1.33 mph |
| 750 ft AEG | | | | |
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| Linked |
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none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
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none
[ show ]
| no partners | | | _____________________
"The farther one gets into the wilderness, the greater is the attraction of its lonely freedom. Yet to camp out at all implies some measure of this delight."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, The Publishers' Weekly, Nov. 25, 1905 |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
