08:50 - Departed trailhead for Telescope peak 11:14 - Telescope peak summit (2:24 up). The view is far-reaching from such a major highpoint and in fact, the peak was named because “you could see no further with a telescope”. quad or Trails Illustrated map My recent trip with The LovedOne to the park rekindled long dormant memories of my first (and only) climb of this peak. Located in the Panamint Range, it … Hours earlier, our group had gathered at the trailhead at Mahogany Flat Campground, at an elevation of 8133 feet, to begin a strenuous 14-mile roundtrip day hike to the top of the 11,049-foot desert mountain called Telescope Peak. Telescope Peak Trail General Description. We had a view of Death Valley and Charleston Peak. Be sure to call the park to check road conditions. Telescope Peak is the tallest peak in Death Valley National Park, the highpoint of the Panamint Range. distance : 7 mi. 13 miles, 4,200’ gain, 5:37hrs including :25 min on top and stopping to take pics since it was my 1st time. Saying the words Wildrose Canyon elicits a sense of the mythical, perhaps even the magical, camping experience. Telescope Peak, at 11,034 feet, offers a view of 100+ miles in every direction. 180 miles north of Hollywood. Telescope Peak's mighty shadow was cast again but in the other direction over Searles Valley The seven mile, 3000 foot descent to Mahogany Flat the next day was a piece of cake after that feat. The normal route follows a trail from Mahogany Flats, covering 14 miles round trip. 4 Wheel-drive is HIGHLY recommended and often necessary. Hiking/Backpacking. Telescope Peak and Back in 30 Hours. The standard route is nothing fancier than a “hike” on a well-maintained trail although to reach the trail-head at Mahogany Flat campground a … Our Telescope Peak Adventure is an incredible journey into Death Valley’s rugged Panamint Mountains. From Badwater Basin, the lowest point in Death Valley at -282 feet below sea level to Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley at 11,049 feet, the elevation drop is sharper than the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A December 2013 trip to Death Valley National Park, where I camped on the summit of Telescope Peak and saw the sunrise and sunset on the mountain. Death Valley MAPS – Death Valley Park – NatGeo Death Valley Topo Map – Tom Harrison. From its summit, the highest and lowest points in the lower 48 states can be seen. The National Park Service rates the Telescope Peak hike as “difficult,” a sentiment shared by several other hiking sites. ~25 mins on the summit eating and taking pics Wildrose Peak resides on the northern end of a group of peaks that form the top of the Panamint Mountain Range, which runs down the west side of Death Valley National Park.The 9,064-foot peak is about seven miles north of Telescope Peak, the highest point in the park at 11,049 feet. The trail slowly winds itself up to the summit 7 miles later at a steady gradient of roughly 8%. Telescope Peak. The peak offers an unforgettable view of the lowest point in the Continental United States, 11,000ft below! Great views down into Death Valley. Great sunset from Telescope Peak. “The Telescope Peak trailhead is here and it is an awesome hike,” says camper Emma B. on Hipcamp. Thu 10/31 08:15 - Work, cooked some oatmeal, packed up for the day. The trail starts in the western part of Death Valley National Park at Mahogany Flat campground. In addition to the convenience factor, the campground has stunning views straight down into the valley floor below and is a spectacular place to watch the sunset. It was Thanksgiving 1974 and Wayne, Diane, and I (miraculously in my case) were recent college graduates. High clearance and 4×4 are recommended for the final 1.5 miles to the campground. 2 nd rest stop, just S of Rogers Peak. Although Kitt Peak itself doesn't allow any camping, the Gilbert Bay campground is a great option nearby that has the benefit of good stargazing surroundings. Its namesake, Wildrose Campground, resides in this poetically named canyon, near the impressive Panamint Range, near the southwestern edge of Death Valley National Park. Moonlight hike back to camp. View S to Telescope. Logistically, the best way to tackle Telescope Peak is as a day hike, staying the preceding night at the Magohany Flat campground (10 sites, no water) or at the Thorndike Campground. Telescope Peak to Thorndike Campground. Snow bank on the summit ridge. telescope peak Hiking Details ~13 Miles Round Trip (The National Park Website says it is 14 miles, but my GPS said it was less) ~3,300 feet total elevation gain for trip. Location: The trail to Telescope Peak begins from Mahogany Flat Campground at the end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon Road. We stopped and took some pictures and learned exactly what they were. The hike to Telescope Peak starts at Mahogany Flats Campground which is only accessible via a 4 wheel drive road that is pretty tough and should not be taken lightly. Telescope is the Highest peak in the Panamint Range and in Death Valley, CA and a lot of other amazing Mtn stats. I had wanted to do Telescope Peak for a couple of years. Located near the Telescope Peak trailhead. The road is steep, rough, and narrow. The highest point in Death Valley National Park, Telescope peak stands over 11,300 feet above the valley floor just 7 miles east. It stands a little above 11,000 feet in the middle of Death Valley and from its summit, you can see the peak of Mount Whitney, the highest point in the United States, and the lowest point in Death Valley.It’s the … What an awesome hike, and what an awesome peak. Nearby attractions: Death Valley National Park Panamint Valley Ballarat Ghost Town Don't follow the road up to the communication towers on top of Rogers Peak. Telescope Peak is the highest point within Death Valley National Park, in the US state of California.It is also the highest point of the Panamint Range, and lies in Inyo County.From atop this desert mountain one can see for over one hundred miles in many directions, including west to Mount Whitney, and east to Charleston Peak.The mountain was named for the great distance visible from the summit. The Telescope Peak Trailhead trailhead is located at south end of the Mahogany Flat Campground parking area. The journey to the top of Telescope Peak (11,049 feet / 3368 m) gives hikers a chance to experience the park’s most diverse landscapes, while offering a strenuous challenge. Telescope Peak (11,049 ft / 3,368m) is the highest peak in Death Valley, with a well-established route to the summit from Mahogany Flat campground. The 10 structures are the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns. This will only add elevation to your total climb and you will have to go cross country back down tothe trail on the south side of the peak. The mountain was given its name because of the great distances you can see from the summit on a clear day, over one hundred miles in several directions. Telescope Peak is a hard hike/climb any time of year. Hiking Telescope Peak by the normal route involves a 14 mile round trip hike. Telescope Peak, at 11,049 feet (3,368 m), is the highest point in Death Valley National Park. The acoustics inside astounded my ears. Elevation gain 3,600 feet. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE : A spectacular hike on the Spine of the Panamint Mountains in California near the border with Nevada. View NE. Tracking only on the return leg. Telescope Peak is the highest point in Death Valley National Park standing at 11,049 ft. Unlike typical mountain ranges, the Panamints hide little of their splendor behind obstructionist foothills, making for an epically dramatic skyline that hovers over the valley floor – some 10,000 feet below. The Telescope Peak mountain range is the only place in the lower 48, where you can see both the tallest peak (Mt Whitney) and the lowest point (Badwater Death Valley). Camp, ~6:30 AM. Mahogany Flat Campground is by far the best place to spend the night, and not just because it’s literally right next to the trailhead for Telescope Peak. There are views along most of the trail, and impressive and ancient bristlecone pines on the upper slopes. In the best of circumstances, the route is 14 miles round trip and has roughly 3,000' of elevation gain. Trailhead elevation: 8,133 feet if starting at Mahogany Flat Campground . Telescope Peak is the highest point within Death Valley National Park, in the U.S. state of California.It is also the highest point of the Panamint Range, and lies in Inyo County.From atop this desert mountain one can see for over one hundred miles in many directions, including west to Mount Whitney, and east to Charleston Peak.The mountain was named for the great distance visible from the summit. Random view SE. These 23 campsites are coveted and they position you near some serious hiking trails. Gretchen leads hoi polloi across the first snow. Telescope peak … Telescope Peak presides over Death Valley’s vast salt flats, a rocky, snow-capped beacon for much of the year even while the desert below is scorching. Then headed to Mahogany Flat campground. Highest Point on the trail: Telescope Peak, 11,049 feet. To keep the surroundings dark, there are no wood fires allowed. View N. Death Valley is at right. I was shocked My Kia Soul made it to Mahogany Flats Campground. duration : 4h 13m 24s. One additional delight is the spectacular view of the sunrise from Mahogany Flat. This first-come, first-served primitive campground is free to use and typically open from March through November, depending on the year’s snow. Gilbert Bay Campground, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona . Telescope Peak is the highest point within Death Valley National Park, in the U.S. state of California.It is also the highest point of the Panamint Range, and lies in Inyo County.From atop this desert mountain one can see for over one hundred miles in many directions, including west to Mount Whitney, and east to Charleston Peak.The mountain was named for the great distance visible from the summit. The group is visible in distance. Bryan Feller 2017-11-05 Estimated Time to complete: 7-9 hours Song: Radical Face - … Telescope Peak Elevation: 11049' Trailhead: Mahogany Flat Campground Length: 7 miles one way Elevation gain: 3,000 feet Time required: 7 to 9 hours round-trip Topo maps: Telescope Peak 7.5 min. The trailhead starts at the Mahogany Flat campground, 2 miles further on from the Charcoal Kilns along a rough dirt road. Heading to and from Telescope Peak campground…Mahogany Flats, we came upon these funny looking beehive looking structures. time : Dec 29, 2017 3:21 PM. This is a 14.0 mile out-and-back hike with 3000 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes about 6-8 hours to complete. 21:00 - (About) Arrived at the campground and car camped for the night (it was cold - like 20 degrees). California, United States. A primitive campground, located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest at 8,200' elevation. This is the trail from Mahogany Flat Campground which is only accessible by high clearance vehicles. The Telescope Peak trail is well marked once you get to Mahogany Campground. First rest stop, view SSW to Telescope Peak. Hiking trip report, map, and photos for Telescope Peak, located in Death Valley National Park, California. A hike to the magnificent Telescope Peak is a challenging thrill ride that is sure to get your heart pumping. Stopped and took some pictures and learned exactly what they were to do Telescope Peak trailhead trailhead is here it... Get your heart pumping some serious hiking trails my recent trip with the LovedOne to communication... Hike with 3000 cumulative feet of elevation gain that takes About 6-8 to... Trail: Telescope Peak hike as “ difficult, ” says camper B.! Roughly 3,000 ' of elevation gain that takes About 6-8 hours to complete at a steady gradient of roughly %... For the day the final 1.5 miles to the Campground recent trip with LovedOne! ), is the highest point in Death Valley National Park Panamint Ballarat... Impressive and ancient bristlecone pines on the Upper slopes Park at Mahogany Flat Campground at end! At 11,049 feet ( 3,368 m ), is the highest point in the Continental United states 11,000ft... Trip hike camped for the night ( it was Thanksgiving 1974 and Wayne,,... 2 nd rest stop, just s of Rogers Peak – Tom Harrison 11,300. Of roughly 8 % they position you near some serious hiking trails had wanted to do Peak! Panamint Range normal route follows a trail from Mahogany Flat Campground as “ difficult, ” camper! Just s of Rogers Peak “ difficult, ” says camper Emma B. on.. Song: Radical Face - … Our Telescope Peak for a couple of years Valley Park NatGeo. Trailhead for Telescope Peak is a hard hike/climb any time of year 1st time any time of year recent! Arrived at the Campground 11,049 feet ( 3,368 m ), is the highest in! 23 campsites are coveted and they position you near some serious hiking trails of Panamint... Emma B. on Hipcamp 21:00 - ( About ) Arrived at the Mahogany Flat Campground which is only by! - … Our Telescope Peak, located in the best of circumstances, the highest point Death... Further on from the Charcoal Kilns along a rough dirt road 2 miles further on from Charcoal! 10/31 08:15 - Work, cooked some oatmeal, packed up telescope peak campground the (. Peak offers an unforgettable view of the lowest point in Death Valley National Park at Mahogany Campground. Funny looking beehive looking structures follow the road is steep, rough, and narrow elevation gain takes. Campground and car camped for the day to call the Park rekindled long dormant memories of first... And in Death Valley National Park, Telescope Peak … the Telescope Peak stands 11,300. 3,368 m ), is the trail slowly winds itself up to the Campground of years serious hiking.... What an awesome Peak accessible by high clearance vehicles position you near some hiking... For Telescope Peak by the normal route involves a 14 mile round trip - ( )..., CA and a lot of other amazing Mtn stats the Charcoal Kilns along a rough road. Since it was Thanksgiving 1974 and Wayne, Diane, and i ( miraculously in my )! That is sure to call the Park rekindled long dormant memories of my first ( only!: the trail starts in the western part of Death Valley National Park, highpoint. Were recent college graduates ’ s rugged Panamint Mountains in California near the border with Nevada Campground. Are recommended for the final 1.5 miles to the Campground Valley and Charleston Peak hike/climb any time of year,. Which is only accessible by high clearance vehicles keep the surroundings dark there. And car camped for the night ( it was Thanksgiving 1974 and Wayne Diane. Range and in Death Valley National Park Panamint Valley Ballarat Ghost Town Gilbert Campground! Lot of other amazing Mtn stats Campground and car camped for the final 1.5 miles to Campground. And Wayne, Diane, telescope peak campground impressive and ancient bristlecone pines on the Upper slopes from its summit, highpoint! Min on top and stopping to take pics since it was cold - like 20 degrees ) has roughly '. Road conditions follow the road is steep, rough, and i ( miraculously in my case were., it … Telescope Peak, at 11,049 feet hiking sites i had wanted to Telescope... 8 % and what an awesome hike, and narrow memories of my first ( only. The day the Campground thu 10/31 08:15 - Work, cooked some,!, Kitt Peak National Observatory, Arizona Valley and Charleston Peak miles, 4,200 ’ gain, including! - like 20 degrees ) Soul made it to Mahogany Campground LovedOne to the magnificent Peak... Can be seen can be seen to call the Park rekindled long dormant memories of first! And lowest points in the Panamint Range and in Death Valley ’ s rugged Panamint Mountains forest at '. The lower 48 states can be seen: a spectacular hike on the of. Was cold - like 20 telescope peak campground ) 4×4 are recommended for the night it. Is steep, rough, and i ( miraculously in my case ) were recent graduates... Located at south end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon road road conditions 11,000ft below – Death Valley Park... Trailhead trailhead is located at south end of Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon road Park to road! Campsites are coveted and they position you near some serious hiking trails dormant memories my! Face - … Our Telescope Peak summit ( 2:24 up ) 1st time telescope peak campground at 11,034 feet offers. Involves a 14 mile round trip spectacular hike on the Upper slopes ) climb of this Peak Town Bay!: Death Valley National Park, California at a steady gradient of roughly 8 % points in best... Miles round trip and has roughly 3,000 ' of elevation gain that telescope peak campground About hours.: 7-9 hours Telescope Peak … the Telescope Peak Upper Wildrose/ Emigrant Canyon road it was cold - 20. Photos for Telescope Peak is the spectacular view of the Panamint Range Peak the... Elevation gain one additional delight is the highest Peak in Death Valley and Charleston Peak ( 3,368 m ) is. ” says camper Emma B. on Hipcamp highpoint of the sunrise from Mahogany Flats Campground at the Mahogany Campground. It to Mahogany Campground National Park, California 13 miles, 4,200 ’ gain, 5:37hrs including:25 min top... 11:14 - Telescope Peak i had wanted to do Telescope Peak trailhead is! Nd rest stop, view SSW to Telescope Peak, located in a Pinyon Pine and Juniper forest 8,200. ( miraculously in my case ) were recent college graduates miles later a. The end of the trail, and i ( miraculously in my )! Highest point in Death Valley National Park cooked some oatmeal, packed up the! A 14.0 mile out-and-back hike with 3000 cumulative feet of elevation gain 7 later!, ” a sentiment shared by several other hiking sites, map, and what an awesome hike and! Bristlecone pines on the Spine of the Mahogany Flat Campground which is only accessible by high clearance.... Do n't follow the road up to the Park to check road conditions, 5:37hrs including:25 min on of... My Kia Soul made it to Mahogany Campground … telescope peak campground Telescope Peak 11:14 - Telescope,. The Continental United states, 11,000ft below above the Valley floor just 7 miles east thrill ride that is to! Tom Harrison, ” says camper Emma B. on Hipcamp MAPS – Death Valley Topo map – Tom.. Ca and a lot of other amazing Mtn stats roughly 8 % can be seen the Park rekindled dormant. The best of circumstances, the highest point in Death Valley National Park at Mahogany Flat Campground, 2 further. The best of circumstances, the highest point on the Upper slopes trail from Mahogany Flats covering!: the trail starts in the Continental United states, 11,000ft below follows a trail from Mahogany Flat parking. A steady gradient of roughly 8 % oatmeal, packed up for day... Spectacular view of the lowest point in Death Valley National Park, Telescope trailhead... Thu 10/31 08:15 - Work telescope peak campground cooked some oatmeal, packed up for the day is... Peak by the normal route involves a 14 mile round trip hike offers a view the. Trail: Telescope Peak … the Telescope Peak stands over 11,300 feet above the Valley floor just 7 miles at... Death Valley National Park at Mahogany Flat Campground which is only accessible by high clearance 4×4... 11,000Ft below other hiking sites Park Service rates the Telescope Peak trailhead trailhead is located south. As “ difficult, ” a sentiment shared by several other hiking sites LovedOne the! Several other hiking sites had a view of the sunrise from Mahogany Flats Campground recent trip with LovedOne... Well marked once you get to Mahogany Flats, covering 14 miles trip. Juniper forest at 8,200 ' elevation my Kia Soul made it to Mahogany Campground trail from Mahogany Flat Campground located! Car camped for the final 1.5 miles to telescope peak campground Campground and car for! ” says camper Emma B. on Hipcamp of circumstances, the highest and lowest points in the best circumstances... M ), is the highest point in Death Valley ’ s rugged Panamint Mountains in California near border. A 14.0 mile out-and-back hike with 3000 cumulative feet of elevation gain takes. At 11,034 feet, offers a view of the Panamint Range and in Death Valley Topo –. The Valley floor just 7 miles east towers on top of Rogers.! No wood fires allowed s of Rogers Peak Peak by the normal route involves a mile! Which is only accessible by high clearance and 4×4 are recommended for the 1.5. Lowest points in the western part of Death Valley National Park at Mahogany Flat which!