Mescal Range High Point and Climax Peak in Mojave National Preserve, AZ

Hike Mescal Range High Point and Climax Peak Mojave National Preserve, AZ

Class 2 5.6 miles 2600 gain 3-5 hrs Out + Back May 24, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Mescal Range High Point and Climax Peak GPX Track

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Most people seem to summit Mescal Range High Point from the south, which would certainly be an easier undertaking. I chose my route because it was less driving and would also summit Climax Peak, a minor sub-peak of Mescal Range HP. It actually worked out really well, and despite being more work than the standard route, I'd recommend it.

I parked at the end of a dirt road. Low clearance vehicles might not make it and would add another mile to the hike each way. From my parking spot, I headed south, following the dirt road until it curved away from my intended route. My goal was to follow the road as long as possible and to head to a spur rige that stretched out to the east of Climax Peak since the cliffs around the summit would be difficult to navigate. I noted a fairly heavily-traveled burro trail and unbelieveably, this trail led me all the way to my choice ridge. If someone told me this was an official trail made by humans, I would believe it – it was very good. This was fortunate because the bushwhacking and scrambling required to get to the ridge woud have been very not fun. I was thrilled. The trail basically follows a nice slope until reaching the steeper sections to the east of Climax Peak, and just before needing to deal with the cliffy obstacles, the trail heads directly south for a while, staying just under the difficulties and leading safely to the spur ridge. The social trail continues south (and I would follow this part later on my way back from Mescal Range HP), but I wanted to head up to Climax Peak first and then traverse the ridge proper. The slope from the spur ridge to the summit is quite steep, but a less obvious social trail is easy to follow and the vegetation is mostly totally gone. From Climax Peak, I headed south along the ridge, encountering some Class 2 stuff but otherwise just taking in the views. Mescal Range High Point was a nice sunset spot, and Clark Mountain to the north was a pretty backdrop for the ridgeline.

On my way back, I noted the burro trail I left earlier to head to Climax Peak and followed it, avoiding some additional elevation gain (see map). The burros did all the work for me on this one, resulting in a nice little hike.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Climax Peak
6217 ft
394 rise
2
Mescal Range High Point
6499 ft
1765 rise
3
Deadman's Peak (Peak 6027)
6027 ft
787 rise

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I followed this awful dirt road for a while after parking my car. Climax Peak is visible above on the right, but the cliffs would prevent easy access. Instead, my goal was to head to a spur ridge, the saddle of which is seen in the center.
I followed this awful dirt road for a while after parking my car. Climax Peak is visible above on the right, but the cliffs would prevent easy access. Instead, my goal was to head to a spur ridge, the saddle of which is seen in the center.
Just as the bad dirt road curved away, I noted a burro trail and followed it. It was glorious.
Just as the bad dirt road curved away, I noted a burro trail and followed it. It was glorious.
Looking back to the mining nonsense to the north, Clark Mountain top left.
Looking back to the mining nonsense to the north, Clark Mountain top left.
While the burro trail is a bit steep at points, it's overall nothing to complain about, especially when the alternative would have been walking through the brush.
While the burro trail is a bit steep at points, it's overall nothing to complain about, especially when the alternative would have been walking through the brush.
Looking back at my progress. Climax Peak is on the left out of frame in this photo, the burro trail avoiding its cliffy nonsense.
Looking back at my progress. Climax Peak is on the left out of frame in this photo, the burro trail avoiding its cliffy nonsense.
Image 5 from gallery
Burro trail leading safely up the slope. The cliffs to the right are completely avoided as the trail heads south, leading directly to the spur ridge ahead.
Burro trail leading safely up the slope. The cliffs to the right are completely avoided as the trail heads south, leading directly to the spur ridge ahead.
At the spur ridge, looking west along the steep slope that would lead to Climax Peak.
At the spur ridge, looking west along the steep slope that would lead to Climax Peak.
Climax Peak ahead.
Climax Peak ahead.
Climax Peak summit, view north toward Clark Mountain.
Climax Peak summit, view north toward Clark Mountain.
Climax Peak, view southwest toward Mescal Range High Point.
Climax Peak, view southwest toward Mescal Range High Point.
Continuing southwest along the ridge.
Continuing southwest along the ridge.
Looking back toward Climax Peak (center).
Looking back toward Climax Peak (center).
Some Class 2 as I make my way up to Mescal Range High Point. Clark Mountain visible top left.
Some Class 2 as I make my way up to Mescal Range High Point. Clark Mountain visible top left.
Mescal Range HP ahead.
Mescal Range HP ahead.
The ridge ahead leading to the summit is only Class 2, but might take some minor route-finding to keep it as easy as possible.
The ridge ahead leading to the summit is only Class 2, but might take some minor route-finding to keep it as easy as possible.
Some Class 2 below the summit of Mescal Range HP.
Some Class 2 below the summit of Mescal Range HP.
Mescal Range HP, view south.
Mescal Range HP, view south.
Mescal Range HP, view north. Clark Mountain top left, Climax Peak right of center.
Mescal Range HP, view north. Clark Mountain top left, Climax Peak right of 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!