Kingdom of Zion Peak

Hiked: 2/24/2026
Distance: 5.5 miles round trip on trail and cross country
Summit Elevation: 2547'
Elevation Gain: 1749'
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 1.4
Round trip time: 5 hours
Recommended water: 64 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free at turnaround on Road CM495
Difficulty: Moderate

The goal was Kingdom of Zion Peak, continuing my exploration of the Chuckwalla Mountains. The name seems to be tied to an abandoned youth camp nearby dating back to the 1970s. Internet searches suggest it was shut down in 2013. I exited I-10 on the south side at Rice Road (Desert Center), made a quick left on Aztec Ave (paved) running parallel with I-10. In a mile, Aztec ends and a dirt road begins. A quick jog put me on Gas Line Road, running along the pipeline. After another mile and a half, I turned right on the signed CM380, then turned left on signed CM495. The road winds around some rocks to a turnaround that could accommodate 4-5 vehicles. High clearance suggested for the dirt roads.

Messages and signs were painted on the rocks at the turnaround, and along a trail that started there. One sign said "THE WAY TO ZION" with an arrow. The trail went about 0.4 miles across Mustard Seed Dam to where the camp used to be. There was nothing left of the camp but the building slabs. A use trail continued 0.3 miles beyond the camp, following the deep gully on the left. It ended after dropping into the gully.

I continued up the gully past some dry falls. There was some gray and white granite in the gully and some conglomerates. After a mile or so, I exited by climbing up some rocks. I had a clear view of Kingdom of Zion Peak with several approaches possible. Since there as no beta on Peakbagger, I plotted a route using CalTopo. For the first time, I used a map layer showing steepness by color. I planned to take a gully on the far left that connected with one of the ridges higher up. The more direct gully also looked like it would go, but with less certainty. My indirect approach was steep class 1 and worked well. From the top of the far left gully, I went over the highest point on the ridge, dropped about 50' to a small saddle, then continued directly up the ridge. This section was class 2/3 with solid rock and minimal exposure. I had a final walk up to the high point.

I found a fallen wooden post among the rocks, but no marks and no register. I planted a small eispiraten.com flag on the summit for posterity. Views were nice in all directions. After a break, I started down. My left knee started bothering me about half way down. I've had some discomfort with it off and on for a few months, and my home rehab efforts have been only partially successful. I might have to seek professional PT help if it persists. With a sore knee, my descent was slow until I was back in the main gully. Kingdom of Zion was an interesting area and a good work out.