Hike Noon Benchmark South Nopah Range Wilderness Area, CA

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Noon Benchmark, the high point of the South Nopah Range, is usually approached from the south, but after driving past it a bunch of times on the north and seeing it looming in the distance, I've wanted to approach it from this direction. Additionally, I've been on a desert running kick and the slopes appeared to be pretty clear of rocks as a nice change from my recent rocky desert peaks, making the descent a fun jog. While this northern approach is a bit longer than what seems to be the standard route, I recommend it over the southern approach. It's got a more relaxed grade and some nice desert scenery.

A short approach from the road led to a low saddle, where Noon Benchmark appeared ahead. A half dozen slightly annoying little drainages made crossing the desert more effort than it appeared to be on a map, but eventually we made it to the base of Noon Benchmark. We took the northernmost slope finger of the peak and just followed this all the way, the slope really pleasant and progressively getting more steep, slowly enough that we almost didn't notice the change. A hundred feet of a Class 2 talus field led past some cliff bands to the northern end of Noon Benchmark's summit ridge. The final ridgeline to the summit had some nice desert views.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Noon Benchmark

4239 ft

1349 rise

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From the road, heading to the low saddle visible ahead. Noon Benchmark is seen poking out in the center of this photo.

Looking back toward the road as we head up to the low saddle.

We dropped down from the low saddle and headed to Noon Benchmark (top left). There are a bunch of annoying drainages that are minor enough to not show up on topo maps, but large enough to pose as obstacles.

At the base of Noon Benchmark, view back toward the low saddle we came from (center).

Ascending on the northernmost reaching finger, pictured ahead.

View back.

Overall a very pleasant and rock-free approach, except a couple of small spots like this.

View back along our chosen ridge approach.

Nearing the final ascent to the cliff band.

Looking back before starting up the Class 2.

Class 2 ahead.

Looking down the Class 2 talus that brought me over the cliff band and to the summit ridge.

Noon Benchmark ahead.

View down the standard southern approach, seen from the summit of Noon Benchmark. It didn't look as good as the northern approach we just did.

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!