Palo Verde Peak in Palo Verde Mountains BLM, CA

Hike Palo Verde Peak Palo Verde Mountains BLM, CA

Class 3 1.9 miles 1100 gain 1-2 hr Out + Back Apr 19, 2020
Effort
Beauty
Personality
Solitude

Palo Verde Peak GPX Track

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A few weeks ago I noted Palo Verde Peak from a distance for the first time and immediately wanted to hike it. It's prominent enough to be seen from most directions, but is still a relatively small mountain. The approach I took came in from the west, after driving a sandy road suitable by mid-clearance. I parked shortly before the ideal start point because the road became more narrow and turning around would be difficult. A tiny canyon with a short chockstone Class 3 move seemed to be the starting point for most, so I began there.

A wash followed the tiny canyon, and the beautiful Palo Verde Peak summit ridge above came into view as I continued through the wash. For the most part I stayed within the drainage, navigating some brush and rockiness for a bit, and then headed up an annoyingly steep and loose slope. Seriously, this slope sucks. Toward the top it got more scree-filled and I found myself using all four limbs to grab at talus/scree to make progress. I topped out on the southern ridge of Palo Verde Peak and was amazed by the views. The jagged ridge had a sheer cliff on the east side and the sunset accentuated the curves.

I followed the ridge toward the summit, initially easy and pleasant terrain. I encountered a short down climb to avoid a sketchy notch. A Class 3 move on the right brought me into the notch, and then some fun scrambling brought me back up on the other side. I then continued just to the right of an interesting-looking optional ridge, but it seemed to add more danger than it was worth, so I kept just below the rocky crest. I found myself on a false summit just south of Palo Verde Peak. I had two options: stay along the ridge and step across an airy one-move knife-edge (Class 3), or down climb a small chimney on the left, which looked a lot safer (Class 3+). I did the knife edge on the ascent, and on my way back came up the chimney. I generally always recommend the less-exposed feeling option, but either way works fine. The rest of the route is quick Class 2 to the summit of Palo Verde Peak.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)
Peaks on hike
Elevation
Prominence
1
Palo Verde Peak
1760 ft
1000 rise

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I entered this tiny canyon, where I had to climb over a Class 3 chockstone.
I entered this tiny canyon, where I had to climb over a Class 3 chockstone.
After the tiny canyon, I continued through this wash. You can see a hint of the Palo Verde ridgeline in the center.
After the tiny canyon, I continued through this wash. You can see a hint of the Palo Verde ridgeline in the center.
Just left of center you can see a small pinnacle on the ridgeline - the awful ascent route leads just left of that pinnacle. You can see how steep it is from here.
Just left of center you can see a small pinnacle on the ridgeline - the awful ascent route leads just left of that pinnacle. You can see how steep it is from here.
At the head of the wash, as I start up the steep slope.
At the head of the wash, as I start up the steep slope.
Steep Class 2.
Steep Class 2.
Looking back at the miserable section, just below the ridgeline. You can see the wash I ascended in the center.
Looking back at the miserable section, just below the ridgeline. You can see the wash I ascended in the center.
Along the ridgeline toward Palo Verde Peak, initially pleasant walking terrain.
Along the ridgeline toward Palo Verde Peak, initially pleasant walking terrain.
Looking back along the ridgeline. You can see the top of the garbage ascent, just right of center at the base of that rock outcrop (what appeared to be a pinnacle from below).
Looking back along the ridgeline. You can see the top of the garbage ascent, just right of center at the base of that rock outcrop (what appeared to be a pinnacle from below).
A short obstacle leading to a notch. At the base of this photo is a Class 3 down climb move to get into the notch on the right.
A short obstacle leading to a notch. At the base of this photo is a Class 3 down climb move to get into the notch on the right.
Ascending the opposite side of the ridge on more Class 2 terrain. Palo Verde Peak is visible top left. You can make the route interesting by scrambling along this section of optional sketch, or keep it easy by staying to the right of the crest.
Ascending the opposite side of the ridge on more Class 2 terrain. Palo Verde Peak is visible top left. You can make the route interesting by scrambling along this section of optional sketch, or keep it easy by staying to the right of the crest.
At a minor false summit, looking over toward Palo Verde Peak. At the bottom of this photo you can sort of make out the short Class 3 knife-edge-like move.
At a minor false summit, looking over toward Palo Verde Peak. At the bottom of this photo you can sort of make out the short Class 3 knife-edge-like move.
Looking back past the knife-edge move. Alternatively, there's a chimney on the right in this photo.
Looking back past the knife-edge move. Alternatively, there's a chimney on the right in this photo.
Palo Verde Peak summit, view back along the ridge. You can see the chimney better here, as well as the knife-edge option.
Palo Verde Peak summit, view back along the ridge. You can see the chimney better here, as well as the knife-edge option.

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!