Class 2 8.8 miles 3700 gain 5-7 hrs Out + Back Apr 2, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Kingston Peak GPX Track

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Kingston Peak has a few redeeming qualities, but they were overshadowed by the bushwhacking and ticks nyphs I was less than excited to encounter. Better vehicles could likely continue a half mile more from my trailhead coordinates attached, but I was content to walk. Leaving the road, I walked through brushy and flat terrain heading south into a major drainage. Kingston Peak was still far from being in view. I kept a smile on and played some music and pretended I was enjoying myself, but then the brush got thicker as I entered the drainage. And then I looked down and saw 30+ ticks on my leg. This has happened to me many times before, where I swipe by a tick nest, but only while hiking in the east. I thought I would be clear of ticks by being out in the California desert. Closer inspection confirmed they were deer ticks. I was about ready to call it a day and cross Kingston Peak off my list for good, but I endured. I did get a few more ticks, but no more nests. I tried staying out of the drainage a few times, but it was just as gnarly as staying within, so I mostly kept to the watercourse. The drainage slowly began to ascend and finally the brush started to clear as the slope became more steep. A social trail materialized and led me to the north ridge.

The views along the north ridge of Kingston Peak as I continued south got me in better spirits. The brush was mostly gone now, though now it was replaced by the occasional Class 2 obstacles of rock outcroppings. On my ascent, I pulled a few Class 3 moves, but was able to avoid them on my way back. So, it's a Class 2 route with a little route-finding. The ridgeline passes over a few bumps, adding a fair amount of vertical gain to the day. For the most part, I stayed just left or right of the ridge crest, since some of the obstacles were large rock fins that would be difficult to navigate.

The final slope to the summit required some Class 2 scrambling on the left of the ridge. A social trail made it easier, wrapping around a bit before making the final ascent. Nice views of the desert, but I was already dreading the many ticks I'd accumulate on my way back.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Kingston Peak
7336 ft
3727 rise

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Walking along the dirt road, heading to the left drainage in this photo.
Walking along the dirt road, heading to the left drainage in this photo.
The brush starts off not too bad.
The brush starts off not too bad.
But then it worsens as the drainage begins to narrow. Ticks everywhere, ugh.
But then it worsens as the drainage begins to narrow. Ticks everywhere, ugh.
Looking back the way I came.
Looking back the way I came.
Heading to the saddle in the center.
Heading to the saddle in the center.
Looking back down the drainage.
Looking back down the drainage.
Approaching the saddle, a social trail materialized.
Approaching the saddle, a social trail materialized.
Past the saddle, heading south. Photo is looking back toward the saddle (center).
Past the saddle, heading south. Photo is looking back toward the saddle (center).
Kingston Peak becomes visible to the south.
Kingston Peak becomes visible to the south.
Rock outcroppings along the ridgeline to Kingston Peak.
Rock outcroppings along the ridgeline to Kingston Peak.
And also some grassy sections.
And also some grassy sections.
Image 11 from gallery
Kingston Peak, still a few humps away.
Kingston Peak, still a few humps away.
Image 13 from gallery
Image 14 from gallery
Looking back along the ridgeline as I approach the last bit.
Looking back along the ridgeline as I approach the last bit.
Kingston Peak ahead.
Kingston Peak ahead.
Just below the summit. The route generally wraps around to the left a bit before ascending.
Just below the summit. The route generally wraps around to the left a bit before ascending.
Class 2.
Class 2.
Class 2 steep to the summit.
Class 2 steep to the summit.
Kingston Peak summit, view south-ish.
Kingston Peak summit, view south-ish.
Kingston Peak summit, view north along the ridge I came in on (from the center).
Kingston Peak summit, view north along the ridge I came in on (from the center).

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!