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Telescope Peak Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.9 (14)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Deserts
  4. Death Valley National Park
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“A long trail to the highest point in Death Valley National Park. ”

Jorden Stanley
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11.7

Miles

18.9

KM

Out and Back

10,994' 3,351 m

High

8,136' 2,480 m

Low

3,101' 945 m

Up

3,097' 944 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

May encounter snow in the winter.

Overview

Though strenuous, this desert route is quite rewarding. Along the way, you'll have great viewpoints of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Once you reach the top, it won't be difficult to understand where the name "Telescope Peak" came from, as you'll be able to see for miles in all directions.

Need to Know

Drink plenty of water: Drink at least one gallon (4 liters) of water per day to replace loss from sweat, more if you are active. Fluid and electrolyte levels must be balanced, so have salty foods or "sports drinks" too.

Avoid hiking in the heat: Do not hike in the low elevations when temperatures are hot. The mountains are cooler in summer, but can have snow and ice in winter.

Travel prepared to survive: Stay on paved roads in summer. If your car breaks down, stay with it until help comes. Carry extra drinking water in your car in case of emergency.

Watch for signs of trouble: If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or a headache, get out of the sun immediately and drink water or sports drinks. Dampen clothing to lower body temperature. Be alert for symptoms in others.

Description

The trail to Telescope Peak, the highest point in Death Valley National Park, is a 14 mile round-trip hike, beginning and ending at the Mahogany Flat campground. The standard route has an average gradient of 8% that slowly leads to the summit overseeing the park. While this is a difficult trail, there is no requirement for a permit, though it is always suggested to contact the Ranger Station for trail conditions. The standard route is maintained by these same rangers.

The trail begins at the Mahogany Flat Campground and winds its way to Arcane Meadows in about two miles. Between Arcane Meadows and the summit of Telescope Peak are five winding miles, consisting of trail that mainly follows the ridgeline. Nearby Bennett Peak and Rogers Peak are both accessible by this trail, while adding insignificant amounts of extra effort or mileage.

Flora & Fauna

Along your journey, you'll pass first through forests of juniper, piñon pine, and mountain mahogany. Bristlecone pines will dot the landscape during the final miles.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Death Valley National Park

Shared By:

Jorden Stanley with improvements by Daniel Pettit
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 14 votes

#4

in Death Valley National Park

#648

Overall
  4.9 from 14 votes
5 Star
86%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#4

in Death Valley National…

#105

in California

#648

Overall
42 Views Last Month
4,841 Since Nov 9, 2015
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14%
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Photos

Badwater, California from Telescope Peak Trail.
Nov 21, 2016 near Badwater, CA
Telescope and Bennett Peaks from Rogers Peak
Nov 24, 2021 near Badwater, CA
Telescope Peak
Nov 11, 2015 near Badwater, CA
Trail To Telescope Peak.
Nov 11, 2015 near Badwater, CA
Telescope Peak
Nov 12, 2015 near Badwater, CA
Telescope Peak.
Apr 7, 2016 near Badwater, CA

1 Comment

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Check-Ins

May 28, 2023
Alex Witt
Apr 4, 2023
Soni Ruelas
Oct 30, 2022
Josh Kennedy
Peak actually about 500m beyond trail depicted in app. Also, there is a newer trail bed in the last 1.5mi with multiple switchbacks on the east side — 6h 05m
Nov 11, 2021
BK Hope
Went to summit of Roger's Peak this time.
May 28, 2021
Matt Fleming
12.4mi — 4h 07m
Nov 26, 2020
Hung Hau
12.4mi — 5h 20m
Nov 20, 2020
Hadi DaBady
With Owi. Bennet Peak. (Didn't have time to go all the way to Telescope Peak).
Dec 20, 2019
Dana Ochs

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