Telescope Peak in California State

Telescope Peak

Boasting one of the best views over Death Valley, this 14-mile round trip hike gains over 3,000-feet in elevation in just under 4 hours.

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Telescope Peak Details

Boasting one of the best views over Death Valley, this 14-mile round trip hike gains over 3,000-feet in elevation in just under 4 hours. It is a difficult journey, especially considering the majority of the trail is exposed to the sun (so make sure to bring sunscreen and lots of water). Most people come for sunrise to beat the heat and to enjoy spectacular views as the sky starts to illuminate the valley. The varied terrain also keeps things interesting. With desert-like foliage and sharp rocky cliffs along the entire route. Save your energy for the last few miles the steep switchbacks may be tough but they signal that you are close to the end.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Telescope Peak

Compare nearby parks around Telescope Peak when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

19.6 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

150.9 mi away

Joshua Tree

National Park · CA

174.2 mi away

Yosemite

National Park · CA

229.4 mi away

Pinnacles

National Park · CA

235.8 mi away

Zion

National Park · UT

250.9 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

Nearby Points of Interest Around Telescope Peak

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Telescope Peak while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Mahogany Flat Campground (Primitive)

Mahogany Flat Campground, at 8,200 feet, is the highest-altitude campground in the park.

0.5 mi away

Thorndyke Campground (Primitive)

Thorndike Campground is a primitive, first come, first served campground located at 7,400 feet in the Panamint Mountains.

1.2 mi away

Charcoal Kilns

Built in 1877, this series of 10 beehive-shaped masonry kilns were used to turn wood into charcoal fuel to feed a pair of smelters at nearby lead and silver mines.

1.3 mi away

Wildrose Peak Trail

The hike to Wildrose Peak is one of the few hikes in the park that are comfortable during the summer months.

1.3 mi away

Rogers Peak

At nearly 10,000 feet high, Rogers Peak is among the highest points in the Panamint Mountains.