Hike Quartz Peak Chocolate Mountains BLM, CA

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Route Map

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Quartz Peak is a cute little desert peak in southern California's Chocolate Mountains. From a large cleared dirt area along Black Mountain Road (passable by all vehicles), I started heading southeast, locating an old road and following it until its end as it headed through the mostly flat landscape. At the road's end, I dropped north into a prominent sandy wash and followed this as it wandered around a bit, some nice tree covering and slickrock formations keeping things interesting.

Once I neared the head of the wash and it began getting brushier, I found a short, steep hill that I could use to exit the wash and continued to the low ridge ahead. Once on the ridge, I followed it generally east to the summit. Along the way, I passed a couple of Class 2 sections that seemed more difficult from beneath them. Any obstacles have a reasonable and intersting option for ascending, definitely under Class 3.

The views from the summit toward the craggy and weird-looking peaks, plus Picacho Peak, were nice. I returned the way I came.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Quartz Peak

2160 ft

1040 rise

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Starting from my car through the desert.

I stumbled upon a dirt road, which I followed to its end. Quartz Peak visible top left.

At the end of the road, I dropped left and entered this wash.

The was was pretty overall, a fair amount of greenery and some cute slickrock.

I located a hill I could use to escape the wash when it started getting too brushy toward its head. This is a view looking back at the wash as I exit. Just behind me is an easy walk up to a low ridge.

I gained the low ridge and followed it to the high point (top right). You can trace the ridge in this photo on the right.

Class 2 obstacle. I headed up just below the first knob, then traversed on the right to avoid anything sketchy.

Traversing on the right side of the first rock outcropping obstacle, Class 2.

Looking back at my progress, the top of the first obstacle visible on the right.

More Class 2 and casual ridge walking. The rest of the ascent is pretty straightforward. I just kept to the ridge crest.

Quartz Peak summit just ahead.

Summit view from Quartz Peak into the interesting-looking terrain to the east.

Quartz Peak summit, view south toward Black Mountain (right).

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!