
Starting out along the Chocolate Mountain Trail. The peak is visible top left. The route leads to the right and out of frame.

A short bit of descending.

The trail leads south to the drainage seen center.

Entering the drainage.

View back, CA-168 visible in the center. The trail came from the hills on the right.

Ascending the drainage.

View back, some rusty poles marking the spot where you need to keep right to stay on the trail.

A cairn marking the correct drainage to ascend, on the right.

View back into the drainage, Chocolate Mountain becoming visible top right.

Once I gained the west ridge of Chocolate Mountain, I got some great views to the south.

Onward toward Chocolate Mountain.

Fairly flat hiking for a mile or so. Chocolate Mountain seen ahead.

View back along the west ridge.

The road/trail reaches the northern slope of Chocolate Mountain.

A social trail marks when to leave the road and start up to the summit.

The trail is in great shape.

View back down toward the road/trail. You can see Gilbert Pass on the far right.

Final bit to the summit of Chocolate Mountain.

Chocolate Mountain summit, view southeast toward Last Chance Mountain and Eureka Valley.

Chocolate Mountain summit, view southwest.

Chocolate Mountain summit, view north.
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