Hike Eagle Mountain Eagle Mountain BLM, CA

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Route Map

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Eagle Mountain is a small peak just off the road that had was pretty much constantly a good time, as short-lived as the route went. It begins as do most desert peaks, a walk through the open desert to get to the base of the mountain. Just after the parking area we had to cross a small stream, and then we searched the cloud-covered dimly-lit cliffs for the standard route, which became much clearer as we grew closer. There were two main gullies (on the map, they appear as two forks), both looking incredibly steep and slick. A third wannabe gully on the left (moreso just a slope) seemed much more tame. A social trail led up this slope/gully, bypassing the steepest part of the terrain. It continued just to the left of the left fork of the aforementioned gullies, sticking to fun Class 2/2+ limestone slab and solid rock ribs. It eventually dropped to the right into the gully and continued generally east on more fun slab, until it was clear it would hit a scary-looking rock outcropping. The trail (which is very defined, but easy to miss) helps avoid some unpleasant loose scree as it ascends, and then starts to curve south, staying above the scree as it works up to the north ridge of Eagle Mountain. Once on the ridge, the trail continues south, keeping to the right (west) of all the cliffs. There was one misleading social trail that wrapped around the east side of the mountain and cliffed us out, so keep to the west. The trail hugs the cliff face and provides pretty straightforward access to the crux of the route, a Class 3 headwall on solid rock that just takes a little bit of thought since it feels exposed, but all the holds you could want are there. Above the scramble, the final section of ridge leading to the summit is narrow and scrambly. One move required special care, but it's Class 2, though a little exposed-feeling.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Eagle Mountain

3806 ft

1646 rise

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Eagle Mountain ahead.

At the base of Eagle Mountain. You can see the two drainages visible on a topo map. The route heads to the left of the left fork up a slope.

Heading up a social trail to the left of the left fork.

View back down as we ascend.

Very fun Class 2/2+ limestone slab scrambling.

View down at our progress.

At the top of the slope, we headed to the right and dropped into the aforementioned left fork/gully.

View back as we curve around from the slope and down into the gully.

Class 2 up the gully. A social trail leads up toward the scary-looking cliffs in the center, but avoids them.

View back, we came from the right in this photo. The social trail was well-defined and I recommend making sure you get on it, or risk scrambling up scree.

Making progress out of the gully and up the Class 2 slope. Our route came from just below the cliffs in the center.

Social trail follows just below a cliff along the ridge. Make sure to stay on the right side (south) of the cliffs, even though at lease one social trail tries to bring you to the north side, where the terrain is really serious.

Approaching the Class 3 section.

Class 3 scramble.

Eagle Mountain summit.

Eagle Mountain summit, view north.

Close-up at the Class 3 scramble on the way back.

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!