Distance: 5.3 miles round trip cross country
Summit Elevation: 1680' (Split West), 1672' (Split West Southeast)
Prominence: 420' (Split West)
Elevation Gain: 1783'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.4
Round trip time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Recommended water: 48 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free on Fish Creek North Jeep Trail
Difficulty: Easy
The area around Fish Creek and Split Mountain in the Anza-Borrego desert is a geological wonder. I had climbed Split Mountain West at the end of 2017, but I missed the lower summit called "Split Mountain West - Southeast Peak". At the time, there was a bit of confusion over which one was higher and/or official. I wanted to get that peak mostly for the sake of completion, but it was an easy sell since the area is so interesting. I parked on the Fish Creek North Fork Jeep trail, high clearance recommended. There were many 4x4 vehicles driving around or at camp sites, but none were on the north fork.
I took a different route this time, aiming to stay mostly in Oyster Shell Wash. I followed the eastern lip of the wash (left side) until I found an easy place to drop in. The coolest part of the wash is the first mile and change, with mud and cobblestone formations, small pools, and short falls with bypasses. Oyster Shell Wash leads almost directly to the true summit.
Above Oyster Shell Wash
Drop in
Small pools of water remain in the lower wash
Before I reached the top, though, I made a hard right turn toward Split Southeast. I went directly up a steep, loose class 1 slope. Shortly after, I was standing on the Southeast summit, reading through the register. The register noted on the first page that the true summit was another 0.4 miles to the north. I signed in and took a few photos before moving on. When I got over to the true summit, I took the easy way up by circling around the short cliff. I rested a while on Split West enjoying the scenery, then returned down Oyster Shell Wash. I continued down to my entry point, then went up and down into Fish Creek North Fork and followed that back to the truck. It was a perfect day in the desert.
Up slope toward Split Southeast
True summit from Split Southeast
Split Southeast from the true summit
One mylar balloon recovered
See also:
Split Mountain West
Nice! I did split west and east Saturday. I was surprised at how much water was in oyster shell wash. I though I was going to have to get my feet wet at one point haha
ReplyDeleteChristopher,
DeleteI was also surprised by the water. Everything was dry the first time.