Telescope Peak stays cool

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Death Valley National Park isn't typically on anyone's summer hiking list, but if you want to climb to the park's highest summit, Telescope Peak, this is an ideal time to go. While daytime temperatures in Death Valley proper commonly hit 120 degrees this time of year, along the Telescope Peak trail you'll probably find high temperatures in the 60s or low 70s.

This hike is for the more hard-core crowd. Although the terrain isn't tough and the trail is clear and obvious, it is 14 miles round-trip, has an elevation gain of about 3,000 feet and you'll be hiking up to an 11,048-foot elevation where the air is thinner. You also will have to carry all your own drinking water, as there is no reliable water source along the trail.

The trailhead is at the Mahogany Flat Campground, a rustic place mainly used by those hiking to the peak because the last 1 1/2 miles of driving to it is steep, rough and extremely slow going. Make sure you stop and check out the Wildrose Charcoal Kilns along the way. The 10 beehive-shaped structures, built in 1876, are some of the best preserved in the West.

You'll start the hike at an elevation of about 8,200 feet in a pinyon pine woodland, but as you travel higher, the vegetation will get more sparse. This time of year, cliff rose will be in bloom, as well as magnificent lupine. Other wildflowers that might still be showy include red Indian paintbrush, the panamint and Death Valley penstemon, buckwheats, evening primroses and Stansbury phlox.

The first couple of miles are moderately strenuous as you will gain about 1,500 feet in elevation. When you reach Arcane Meadows, it levels off, and the incline is minimal for the next 1 1/2 miles.

Common raven, Steller's jay, pinyon jay and Clark's nutcracker are the more commonly seen birds, but keep an eye out for the redtail hawk, mountain chickadee and the dark-eyed junco -- all known to frequent this elevation.

After about 4 miles, the trail descends for about a half mile and then you begin a steady and strenuous climb for the next couple of miles. Ancient Bristlecone pines dot the landscape. Although they appear twisted and tortured from the wind-swept slopes, they are strong and sturdy and many along these ridges are 3,000 years old.

The final ascent involves hiking some steep switchbacks, and once on top, you will be rewarded with one of the most unique and awe-inspiring, panoramic views in the nation. To the northwest lies the Sierra Nevada, where you'll see the highest point in the continental U.S. -- Mount Whitney, at a lofty 14,494 feet. Looking down to the east is the Badwater Salt Flats, the lowest point in the Western Hemisphere, at 282 feet below sea level.

There are a number of challenges to complete this hike; just getting to the trailhead requires driving those seldom-used roads in extreme heat. When on any of the park's unpaved roads, make sure you have a reliable high-clearance vehicle -- preferably four-wheel drive -- with two spare tires and at least 10 gallons of emergency water, depending on how many people you have along. Those 10 should be in addition to what you actually plan to drink for hydration if the trip goes as planned.

Tell your travel plans to friends and family, and always stop at one of Death Valley's ranger stations to get last-minute road and weather information. Be prepared for any type of conditions. Even in summer, freezing temperatures and white-outs from snow storms may occur on the Telescope Peak Trail. Camping is allowed on the trail, as long as you are at least 2 miles from the trailhead, but you'll need to secure a backcountry permit.

Deborah Wall is the author of "Great Hikes, A Cerca Country Guide," published by Stephens Press. She can be reached at Deborabus@aol.com.

Getting to Telescope Peak Trail

From Las Vegas, take Interstate 15 to Nevada Route 160. Drive about 53 miles west to Pahrump. Turn left onto Nevada State Road 210 and drive 27 miles to Death Valley Junction. Take California Route 190 west for 64 miles, passing Furnace Creek and Stove Pipe Wells. Go left onto Emigrant Canyon Road for 21 miles and then left on Wildrose Canyon Road. Drive 8.6 miles to Mahogany Flat Campground and trailhead.