Hiked: 12/3/2021
Distance: 7.7 miles round trip on trail
Summit Elevation: 5541'
Elevation Gain: 1462'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.1
Round trip time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Recommended water: 40 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free at Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
Difficulty: Easy
Chaparrosa Peak is north of Joshua Tree in a transition zone between desert and the San Bernardino foothills. I got a late start arriving mid-morning. There are two trails to the summit. I decided to go up Pipes Canyon, the longer trail. There was a stream of water in the canyon that nourished enough small trees to create a good bit of shade. After wandering upstream a couple of miles, I reached the Owens ruins. Information on the cabin ruins were sparse. The trail cuts back to climb a gully, then rollercoasters over several bumps before reaching the intersection with the summit spur trail. Everything was signed and well maintained so there was little chance of getting lost. I was ready to be unimpressed, but the summit revealed wonderful views of granite towers, cliffs, and red lava rock. The only break I took was on the summit. I tried to push my pace on the way down, completing the loop in just over 3 hours. I made it more of a training hike than one ticking off an HPS peak. There was one other car in the visitors parking lot, but I didn't see anyone all day.
Cool views from up there. I'd like to spend more time in the desert, but it's just so dang far.
ReplyDeleteMadison.
DeleteI get you. Tough to do day hikes with several hours of driving on either side. Kicks just keep getting harder to find.
Glad you got to do the whole loop - I was bummed that I couldn't, for time reasons. Really nice views from the summit - was that Telescope Peak to the NE/ENE?
ReplyDeleteMike,
DeleteFrom peakfinder, I think the highest visible peak ENE would be Charleston or Clark. I was thinking about the doing the unofficial Black Hill after, but it was surrounded by private property and wasn't worth trying to sort out a route.