Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Telescope Peak Question.

A buddy of mine wants to plan a group hike of Telescope Peak in early 2013 for his family.

Cooler weather is OK with them, but they don't have ice and snow travel experiance and want a safe, ice free hike.

Given an average snow year, any idea about when the trail to the summit is dry ?

Thank you !

I don't think the idea of "an average snow year" or an average anything dealing with weather will ever again be a useful concept (if it ever was in terms of planning mountain hikes).

I lived in the eastern Sierra for several years, and climbed Telescope when the trailhead to Mahogany Flats would be opened by the Park Service. According to my hiking logs, I did Telescope in mid-May consistently. Was it snow-free by then - the first few miles of the trail was usually clear by that time, with a patch of snow shortly after the col between between Rogers and Bennet as it's shaded and passes thru trees. That section is mostly flat, so no issues even if people aren't familiar with snow travel. The last 1K' of elevation is usually snow-covered, however, and the safest route is to follow the ridge straight up the slope rather than attempting the trail. As it's north-facing, it might present problems on the ascent, but it usually soft on the return. I usually carry crampons, and have sometimes worn them on the ascent.

So ... if snow/ice is an issue for your friends, perhaps early to mid-June would be a good estimate for snow-free travel.

Hope this helps.

I did it in April a few years ago and conditions were just like Kevin mentioned. The last mile was snow covered but very straightforward. I brought an ice axe and snowshoes which I ended up loaning to a couple east coast tourists on their honeymoon and they made it to the top. I made it without aid fairly easy however my buddy who is terrified of heights and snow felt uncomfortable and chose to skip the last part but he still enjoyed the hike.

I really enjoyed the Mahogany flat campground too. I have 4 wheel drive and easily made it but conditions change and the road can be rough after the kilns. It's a dilemma on timing. If you come too early the snow can be a problem. Too late and you might roast but the elevation keeps it nice. Not sure if you plan on touring other parts of Death Valley but a later arrival could make it uncomfortable. We camped 2 nights at Mahogany and it was cool and uncrowded. Spent a night at Stovepipe Wells and it was really hot and a sandstorm destroyed my tent.

Check road conditions. I have hiked this peak many times and never saw the road in worse shape than it was in late August. With high clearance I got only as far as Thorndike and had to leave as it was raining heavily and the road was literally floating downhill. I went back the next day and could barely make it to the kilns. They have probably graded it since then but I'd give a call before leaving. Good luck whenever you go...it is truly a beautiful hike.

Thank you all for the information !! My buddy was originally planning his family trip for the first week in April.

I agree with you, Kevin. It sounds like to me maybe early to mid June might be a good time for them to go.

I'll tell him to make a call about the road conditions before he leaves for Telescope Peak.

Thanks again !