Category: Hikes

Climbing Corkscrew Peak, Death Valley National Park, CA

Climbing Corkscrew Peak, Death Valley National Park, CA

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Distance: ~8 miles

Elevation gain: ~3,360 ft

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, depending upon your fitness level (3k ft climb in ~2 miles). Class 2.

Corkscrew Peak (5,804 ft) is the imposing sentinel in the Grapevine Mountains of northern Death Valley National Park. It looks intimidating from afar and upon the approach, but the trail isn’t bad, and it’s a great workout. Definitely one of the most unique peaks I’ve seen.

Speaking of trails, the first portion requires some route finding. Head West from the Corkscrew Peak sign and follow the wide wash towards the peak. The route is cairned, gentle, and gradual, leading you to a narrow canyon area at about the 2-mile mark. Here, you’ll scramble up and out of the wash on the left. You’ll climb the spiraling rocky trail for the next 2 miles. Watch your footing, as there are many spots of loose gravel. All told you’ll be climbing 3,360 feet to the top—most of it packed into a somewhat intense 2 miles.

Right before you reach the top, there’s a cool natural window, a nice spot to return to enjoy a snack, and the view before the steep, slippery descent.

From the top, you’ll enjoy splendid views of Death Valley and surrounding peaks, including Langley, Whitney, and Telescope. You can also document your peak bag in the summit record, which is in a metal container wedged between some rocks at the top.

Getting there:

From the Visitors Center at Furnace Creek, drive ~ 11 miles N on State Highway 190 to the signed, paved Daylight Pass Cutoff Road toward Beatty, NV. Turn right and follow this road 10 miles to a signed road fork at Hell’s Gate. Go right onto Daylight Pass Road and drive 0.9 miles. Park on the dirt shoulder.

Notes: The initial section of the trail is a wide wash north of the road. The trail is slippery in sections with loose gravel “marbles; choose hiking or trail running shoes with the best traction. Some recommend poles for the way down. Personally, I do better on slippery downhill if my hands are free. It’s possible to trail run up, but be cautious on the way down.

Happy Trails!

Popular Pinnacle Peak for Panoramic Views and a Great Workout! Scottsdale, AZ

Popular Pinnacle Peak for Panoramic Views and a Great Workout! Scottsdale, AZ

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Distance: ~4 miles out and back

Elevation gain: ~1K (Trail high point is ~2,900 feet.)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous depending on your speed and fitness level.

Popular with locals and visitors alike, this trail is a great go-to if you’re in the area and have a limited window for a hike or trail run. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views and a great workout. I enjoyed jogging the climb so much, I forgot to take pictures-lol, so you’ll have to come see the views for yourself. The trail doesn’t let you scramble to the actual peak, but tops out and then drops you down the other side.

Notes: Parking is free, but limited. Weekdays are less busy than weekends. Pinnacle Peak Park has a visitor center and restrooms, interpretive signs along the trail, and apparently rock climbing routes too. They offer fun activities as well, including moonlight walks, astronomy talks, yoga classes.

Getting there: 26802 N. 102nd Way Scottsdale, AZ 85262 · (480) 312-0990.

Sunrise Peak Via Sunrise Trail, Scottsdale, AZ

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Distance: ~4.50

Elevation Gain: ~1,375

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous, depending on your fitness level

Whether you go for dawn patrol or not, this hike will deliver a quick workout with great 360 panoramic views, seasonal wildflowers, and iconic Saguaro galore. Aptly named, this trail is rated the number 1 sunrise hike in Scottsdale so you may want to rise and shine for it. Several additional trails connect at the top to extend your adventure in the Sonoran Preserve Park.

Getting There: 2101 N. 145th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Trail parking is at the east end of Via Linda at 145th street

Happy Trails!

Wonderful Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park

Wonderful Mount Washburn, Yellowstone National Park

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Distance: 7.3 Miles RT (According to my Garmin, 6.8 miles according to Alltrails, and 5 miles according to the sign in the parking lot-lol.)

Difficulty: Easy (depending on fitness level and altitude acclimation), gradual ascent and descent on an old service road.

Elevation Gain: 1,332 ft over 3.5 miles to reach the fire lookout at the peak.

Wonderful Mount Washburn, at an elevation of 10,219 feet, is the most popular summit hike in Yellowstone National Park.  It’s easy to see why. Named in 1870 after Henry D. Washburn, the Washburn–Langford–Doane Expedition leader, the hike features panoramic views from the start, wildflowers, wildlife sightings (only chipmunks and a grouse for me), a fire lookout tower with interpretive exhibits, an enclosed observation deck, and restrooms. Bagging this peak is relatively easy as you ascend gradually on an old service road.

Notes: No dogs. Be prepared for rapid weather changes and afternoon thunder and lightning storms, especially in the summer. Be bear alert and bring bear spray just in case. (They love this trail too.)

South & North Trailhead options: The South Trailhead is located along the Grand Loop Road between Canyon and Tower (7-mile route). To access the north trailhead (shorter route with a little less elevation ~5 miles), take the unpaved Chittenden Road 1.3 miles to the trailhead. From the top, I spied a couple more trails to explore, but alas, I ran out of time.

Happy Trails!

Chasing Waterfalls: Hidden Haven, a Hidden Gem, Brian Head, UT

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A short, shady stroll with some trail washout and a little scrambling at the end delivers a wonderful waterfall reward.

Great to top off another hike, take a roadtrip leg stretch, or have a lovely picnic spot.

Stay tuned for the videos.

Getting there:

The trailhead parking lot is located on the north side of SR-143, otherwise known as the Brian Head-Panguitch Lake Scenic Byway. Enjoy the entire scenic route if you can.

Happy Trails!