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With T, quiet and nice
reviewed Absolutely amazing! BUT be warned, there is a lot of snow up here still. The trail is completely buried so we had to guess where it was based on ski tracks/gps coordinates. Parts of this trail were impassable since we did not have snow shoes or skis.
I enjoyed this trail. The trail is mainly compacted dirt and shale. I especially enjoyed the ease of maintaining a good footing for over 90% of the trail. We started at 9:30 AM and 80% of trail was well shaded. The trail is moderately challenging because of long stretches of climbing without switchbacks and some pretty steep climbs. The ease of footing was especially important during the descent. The views of Death Valley, Telescope Peak and the Sierra Nevadas were outstanding.
Delightful but somewhat strenuous hike. It was so nice to leave the 100 degree heat of Furnace Creek and come up into the cool mountain air. I hiked this in the late afternoon and most of the trail was under tree shade with a lovely piney smell. After an initial fairly flat section, a good portion of the trail is straight uphill. After the viewpoint, the trail dips a little but then starts a steep uphill section to the summit. Fortunately there are switchbacks to ease the climb. On the summit there are wonderful 360 degree views: east down into the scorching floor of Death Valley and west to the cool snow capped Sierra. A wonderful finale to any Death Valley trip. The trail is mostly loose chips which can be hard on the feet on the descent. I would recommend poles. The trailhead is accessed by road from Wildrose campsite and the last couple of miles is unpaved. It's a bit rattly, but any car can make it.
it was worth it to drive here beautiful be ready to drive in dirt road.
Great trail with a rewarding view of some cool boulders, bishop and white mountain in the distance.
Very difficult. But very rewarding bring lots of water.
Loved this amazing trail. The sign at the trailhead reports it is 4.2 miles one way. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow. Stunning views at several points along the way. It is STEEP -- I was quite glad I brought my poles! It took me just over 2 hours to summit, but I stopped several times per mile to take photos, drink water, eat snacks, strip down layers, get out my poles, etc. Probably 90 minutes to get down the mountain at a moderate pace. In the last week of March, there was a trivial amount of snow at higher elevation. I wore Hoka trail runners and was totally fine. In terms of clothing, I wore a long sleeve shirt and had a puffy jacket with me, but hiked in only my sports bra for the majority of the uphill. It was very chilly and windy at the top though, so I was glad I had my layers.
Trying to imagine what the park ranger was talking about when he told me he found this trail just “meh” !!! I loved this experience of Death Valley. Views abound of the valley basin, eastern sierras, all the way to Nevada. The last half is a serious altitude challenge & burn, hike totals closer to 9 miles according to my phone. You start at the charcoal kilns which is cool sightseeing—step inside and enjoy the scent! The trail itself is beautiful with pinyon and juniper and was doable after snow last weekend with no poles. Immensely enjoyable, refreshing antidote to the lowland desert environment, and a unique way to see the park.
Great vertical and awesome views.... continued South at “the top” for a while. Secluded and fun with rolling ups and downs. Minimal snow at 4 miles in. 03/20/2021.
It was lovely hiking through the pine forests. The elevation gain is no joke. - just plan on going up until you arrive at the peak. The views are spectacular!
Beautiful hike! Definitely challenging with the consistent incline on the way up, but we summited in just over 2 hours with no poles and we made a few brief stops (mostly to take off layers). We began before the sun had reached the trail and we were very cold, but as we moved upward our extremities warmed. The summit gave stunning 360 views! It was windy along the ridge, but well worth it, and we found a south-facing spot behind a scrubby tree to eat our lunch in the sun. Much of the trail also gave views in at least one direction. Tiny bits of snow at the beginning of march, but nothing that couldn’t be easily dodged.
Wonderful area of the park. Great hike great views.
Great hike. Splendid views. Altitude 7-9K is a little tough for a lowlander.
50-something couple did this hike in August 2020 during Covid, Yosemite was very limited access so we opted for this Yosemite-adjacent experience. It was spectacular! 10mi drive from Lee Vining, 3mi up forest road rough in spots, peaceful boat taxi from parking to trailhead. At the trailhead you can choose clockwise or counter on the loop. We and most of our boat companions opted for clockwise. Having completed it now, I would recommend counter-clockwise or go clockwise and reverse back after Lake Helen. It's a tale of two environments -- west side is alpine lakes and streams, east side is a wide valley. Connecting them is a dry waterfall which must be ascended if you loop clockwise. Very steep and strenuous. Obviously if you start the other way you get to descend! There are literally 20 lakes. It is like Switzerland. One could easily camp overnight for a fuller experience. The boat taxi asks you to name a return time so they can allocate space. We were an hour late but they had no problem accommodating us, fine young lads manning the boat.
Amazing trail! Did it bcuz of close off to Telescope peak and we didnt have proper shoes for the snow (based on other reviews). there was still some snow at the top but doable with reg shoes and no poles. incline the whole way up. super cold at the top! amazing views.
Really enjoyed this hike. We did it because we couldn’t do Telescope because of thigh deep snow and we didn’t have crampons. This hike was amazing and it was great to have trees on the trail that seem almost nonexistent in DV. The kilns at the start are a pretty cool thing. Great hike with amazing 360 views at the top and an old Army ammo can so you can sign the register. Highly recommend!!
As per feb 9th, trail was partly covered with patches of snow or ice. No crampons needed, poles can help but didn’t use them. Some slippery portions require attention though. Lost the trail on one or two switchbacks due to snow but getting back on it was pretty obvious. Trail is not very difficult, a few steep parts but nothing too serious. Great views during the climb and stunning 360 vue at the top over the valley and Telescope peak summit. Windy and a bit chilly at the very top. You will find a box and a notebook there to leave your trace. About 3h round trip with 20 min spent at the top.
