| | -
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
| 1 label |  |
|
1 |
-
-
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 10.24 Miles |
2,010 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.24 Miles | 6 Hrs 7 Mns | | 1.67 mph |
| 2,010 ft AEG | | | | |
|
|
| |
| Linked |
|
none
[ show ]
| no linked trail guides |
| Partners |
|
[ show ]
| partners | | On our way to Mammoth Lakes we stopped by Joshua Tree NP. We wanted to do a hike without the tourist traffic so we picked Quail Mountain which also happens to be the high point in the park. Starting from Hidden Valley Nature TH it was crowded as expected. However, once we started out on trail and then an old two track for the first mile or so we didn't see anyone.
Eventually the off trail starts about 1.5 miles into the hike but it's easy off trail across a relatviely flat valley for another 1.5 miles before reaching foothills of Quail Mountain. We then traversed a couple of hills and drainages to reach the start of the final ridgeline. We followed the ridgeline up the majority of the AEG to the summit. We even picked up a use trail halfway up the ridgeline that made things easier on the final ascent.
Arriving on the summit there were 3 people there already there and would be the only ones we would see all day until the TH. Chatted with them for a bit before they headed down. Had a good break on top with lucnh and views.
After the lunch break we made our way back the same way. I made one small route change on the way back but it was pretty close the same route. Overall a pleasant hike and good to get the high point and a backcountry experience in such a popular national park. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
