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- Telescope Peak
11,049 ft · Panamint Range, California
Telescope Peak
Telescope Peak is an 11,049 ft peak in the Panamint Range, California. The standard route is the Telescope Peak Trail: 12 mi, 3,000 ft of gain, Class 1.
Telescope Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,049 ft3,367 m
- RouteTelescope Peak TrailClass 1
- Distance12 mi3,000 ft gain
- Time8 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonMay – Nov
- RangePanamint RangeCalifornia
Climbing the Telescope Peak Trail
From Death Valley, California, drive to Mahogany Flat at the end of the Emigrant Canyon and Wildrose road; the upper stretch is rough, so high clearance helps. A Death Valley National Park entrance fee applies. The Telescope Peak Trail is a scenic Class 1 climb along a ridge with staggering views from Badwater to Mount Whitney. Despite the desert setting, the summit is high and cold, with snow and ice lingering into spring and strong wind common. Carry traction in shoulder seasons, pack layers, and bring plenty of water since the route is dry.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Dry conditions
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Altitude sickness
- Remote location
- Cold summit conditions
Quests with Telescope Peak
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Telescope Peak?
Telescope Peak is 11,049 feet (3,367 m) tall. It is in the Panamint Range, California.
How hard is it to hike Telescope Peak?
The Telescope Peak Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Telescope Peak?
Most people take 8 – 9 hours round trip on the Telescope Peak Trail, covering 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Telescope Peak?
The Telescope Peak Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Telescope Peak?
The usual hiking window is May to November. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Telescope Peak?
The Telescope Peak Trail starts at about 8,150 feet, roughly 2,899 feet below the summit.
Climb Telescope Peak with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list