Hike Argus Peak via Great Falls Basin Great Falls Basin Wilderness Study Area, CA

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Argus Peak sits to the west of Great Falls Basin, an area that's been on my radar for a while because of the technical Great Falls Basin Canyon. I was also hoping to explore the basin itself, but without a destination, I had never been particularly excited (typical me!). The fact that a fairly prominent peak could be my destination gave me the motivation I needed.

I started from the Great Falls parking lot (where there's more broken glass than I thought possible). To reach the trailhead, turn off from the paved road here (35.83263, -117.33775). From the trailhead I headed up a well-laid trail on the slope to the south of the falls leading to a saddle. From the saddle, I noted Argus Peak in the distance, a vast web of rocks, springs, and canyons separating me from the summit slopes. I was excited, despite my sudden fear of rattlesnake encounters (it's May, after all), of which ultimately there were none.

From the saddle, I dropped down a thin social trail to the head of Great Falls Basin Canyon, then continued through a lush section of trees and brush before locating the specific canyon I thought might serve as a viable route. Animal trails took me from here for the most part, avoiding the brush and cliffs. However, while the existence of wild burros meant well-defined animal trails, it also meant I'd get at least one aggressive beast honking at me, which is never a prticularly great sound. It happened three times on my trip.

Anyway, I was able to navigate the entire basin with only a couple of easy Class 2 sections. It was really pleasant, and quite remote. My goal was to get to a ridge I saw on my topo map that protruded the farthest from Argus Peak, assuming this would be the least steep option. Although it led to a false summit south of Argus Peak rather than the peak itself, I thought the additional ridgeline could add a nice touch to the day. The protruding ridge I chose worked out really well, though it was in fact quite steep. I did my best to avoid rock outcroppings and sections of brush, but massive boulders were unavoidable toward the top, resulting in some Class 3 moves as I neared the ridgeline. The rest of the way to the summit went more easily, with some interesting foliage and nice views toward Owens Peak in the distance. Argus Peak's summit could either be where an old "Argus Peak" sign is positioned, or a Class 4 boulder just to the west (which was acutally a fun little couple of moves).

From the summit, I followed some cairns (what I took to be the standard route?) heading northeast. I decided I wasn't going back the same way I had come up since the boulders were pretty tedious and would be worse going down. The ridge I chose to head down was sandy and steeper than my ascent, but it was excellent for a descent, and actually kind of fun to slip down. It led down to a lush area called Deep Canyon Spring, where I then I worked around the base of the protruding ridgeline I ascended earlier and met back with my initial route through Great Falls Basin. Though I initially thought I'd want to explore another section of the basin, I opted to just take same route I did on the way in, since I think I got lucky with my choices and didn't want to risk an aggravating bushwhack.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Argus Peak

6562 ft

1642 rise

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Great Falls seen from the parking lot.

Close-up of Great Falls, or rather, the bottom set of falls. There are more up the canyon. Check out my trip report on the technical section of this canyon. ;)

Along the trail heading up the slope. Great Falls visible on the right.

After popping over a ridge, the trail leads toward a saddle above Great Falls Basin.

Still on the trail, working up to the saddle above Great Falls Basin.

Almost at the saddle, looking back the way I came.

At the saddle, looking west into Great Falls Basin. Argus Peak is visible in the center. Long way to go.

Dropping down from the saddle, a view east into the head of Great Falls Basin Canyon.

Argus Peak in the background. My route went through the trees on the right.

Entering the lush section.

Close-up of running water.

Following the wash when possible (when there's no brush).

Passing another mini waterfall.

Animal trails lead on either side of the brush-choked wash.

Looking back along an animal trail I was following.

Looking back toward the head of Great Falls Basin Canyon, as I follow an animal trail on higher ground.

Argus Peak visible ahead. Lots of old pipes still unfortunately left in the wash because people don't know how to clean up after themselves.

Looking back toward a narrow section. My route took me on the ridge visible on the left, rather than through the brush (thank god).

Approaching the protruding ridge I'd use to get up to Argus Peak, which is visible on the right.

Looking back as I start working up the protruding ridge.

Protruding ridge visible in the center. At this point, it was easy sand/dirt walking, opposed to navigating animal trails through brush and canyons.

Looking back the way I came.

Working up the protruding ridge.

Close-up of the chaos within Great Falls Basin.

At the top of the protruding ridge. The route I took up follows the ridge on the left to a false summit, then traverses across the top to Argus Peak.

Close-up along the flat section on the protruding ridge.

Looking back toward the protruding ridge (center left) as I head up.

It is definitely quite steep.

Looking back down the way I came.

The brush wasn't super thick, keeping the uphill slog reasonable. Just steep.

Eventually, just before the ridge crest, I encountered trees and large boulders that slowed me down.

On the ridge crest, looking north toward Argus Peak, which isn't visible yet.

Argus Peak ahead.

Continuing to Argus Peak.

Argus Peak summit.

Owens Peak center.

Class 4 boulder (maybe the true summit? Not sure).

Heading down the standard route from Argus Peak.

Standard route continues to the ridge on the left. I turned right.

I left the standard route and headed down a steep slope to get back.

Working down the slope.

Approaching Deep Canyon Spring (far right).

Deep Canyon Spring. Not particularly interesting, but served as a marker for me.

Looking back up the way I came down (right). Deep Canyon Spring in the center, Argus Peak up there somewhere.

A shot on the way back, looking toward Argus Peak.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!