Hike South Maria Peak Big Maria Mountains Wilderness Area BLM, CA

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November 2024 update: I highly recommend considering approaching South Maria Peak using its southeast ridge and a much less annoying gully. See more here as part of a much longer loop outing.

A lesser-visited peak than the Big Maria Mountains High Point, South Maria Peak has some really nice views and a remote feel. Turn off Midland Road at 33.76232, -114.69358 and follow this dirt road passable by mid-clearance vehicles to the trailhead. The cliffs on the south side of South Maria look treacherous, and this route avoids them by taking a gully on its southwest side.

From my parking spot, I dropped into a wash along an old mining road heading east. I reached the major wash that drains from South Maria Peak, where I turned left to follow it. At first the wash was sandy and had minimal rocks, but as it curved north and began ascending, it turned into a Class 2 bouldery drainage. This drainage leads toward South Maria's west ridge. The last few hundred feet were tedious and not fun, the slope aggressively loose and steep. I can't say I know the best option for ascending this last bit, but some sections looked less awful than others, and both my ascent and descent route were fine. Once on the ridge, I headed to the right to reach the peak. A short Class 2 section added some charm to the summit ridge. The summit views, especially toward the Big Maria Mountains High Point, were really nice.

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

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

South Maria

2990 ft

1190 rise

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After leaving my car (just out of frame on the left), heading up the obvious wash. South Maria is visible top left.

Continuing through the wash.

The wash turned a little more rocky.

Soon I was doing a fair amount of Class 2 boulder-hopping.

Looking back as the drainage gets steeper.

The last few hundred feet as I ascend out of the drainage was steep, loose, and unpleasant.

Looking back down the steep stuff just before reaching the ridge.

A shot back down the drainage from the top of the ridge before heading to South Maria Peak.

Along the summit ridge, looking toward South Maria. You can see some minor, fun Class 2 farther up.

Looking back along the ridge toward Big Maria Mountains High Point.

Approaching the summit.

South Maria Peak summit, view back along the ridge and toward Maria Mountains High Point.

Summit view of the entire route. MY car is parked top left. I followed the wash center left through the gap between the two hills, continued to the right in the photo and up the drainage in the center of the photo.

View northeast from the summit of South Maria Peak.

View southeast from the summit.

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!