Telescope Peak
Conquer Death Valley's highest point for breathtaking 100-mile vistas, from scorching desert to cool alpine air.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Telescope Peak
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Conquer Death Valley's highest point for breathtaking 100-mile vistas, from scorching desert to cool alpine air.
"One of the most beautiful and most quiet places I’ve had the pleasure to exist at!"
4x4 Recommended for Trailhead
A 4x4 vehicle is needed for the road to Mahogany Flat Campground. Otherwise, add an extra mile each way . :car:
Pack for All Conditions
Bring layers! You can go from desert heat to alpine snow. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days . :cloud:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Telescope Peak Summit
Panoramic vistas stretching over 100 miles, including Mt. Whitney and Charleston Peak. Truly breathtaking!
Bristlecone Pines
Trail to Telescope Peak
Ancient, gnarled bristlecone pines dot the trail, offering a glimpse into the desert's enduring life.
Contrast of Extremes
Telescope Peak Trail
Experience the dramatic shift from the scorching desert floor to cool, alpine conditions on this unique hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tackle the Altitude
Winter Wonders & Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
4x4 Recommended for Trailhead
A 4x4 vehicle is needed for the road to Mahogany Flat Campground. Otherwise, add an extra mile each way. :car:
Pack for All Conditions
Bring layers! You can go from desert heat to alpine snow. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. :cloud:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The dry desert air and altitude demand extra water. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:
Respect the Pines
Please don't carve into the ancient bristlecone pines. Use the hiker's box at the summit for messages. :evergreen_tree:
Tips
from all over the internet
4x4 Recommended for Trailhead
A 4x4 vehicle is needed for the road to Mahogany Flat Campground. Otherwise, add an extra mile each way. :car:
Pack for All Conditions
Bring layers! You can go from desert heat to alpine snow. Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. :cloud:
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The dry desert air and altitude demand extra water. Carry more than you think you'll need. :droplet:
Respect the Pines
Please don't carve into the ancient bristlecone pines. Use the hiker's box at the summit for messages. :evergreen_tree:
Check Snow Conditions
Winter hikes can have deep snow. Microspikes might be essential for safety and traction. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Telescope Peak is lauded as an incredible, albeit strenuous, hike with unparalleled summit views. Hikers appreciate the dramatic shift in environment from desert to alpine and the ancient bristlecone pines. Some find the switchbacks challenging, and winter conditions require careful preparation for snow and ice.
"What an awesome trek! Definitely difficult but doable. The switchbacks towards the top are probably the most intense part of the trip up, especially with the altitude. I was able to run the section of the trail between Arcane Meadows and the beginning of the switchbacks. Someone carved some stuff into one of the older bristlecone pine trees which was disappointing (save your drawings/words for the journal at the top in the hiker’s box!!). Overall one of the most beautiful and most quiet places I’ve had the pleasure to exist at!"
Joey Enríquez
"Views and environment are gorgeous. This was a winter hiking experience. Lots of ice in the beginning, then periodic hard snow/ice, and then snow covers the final ascent. Snow could be 8-20 inches deep. Very steep. Even though it was cloudy, the sun got us. Bring shade or sunscreen. From the kilns, it took us 10.5 hours for 17 miles. Probably could have gone faster.
For winter, you could get away with no microspikes as long as you use proper footwork for snow, ice, and scree/talus, but nobody should recommend this."
L. H.
"Absolutely incredibly. I've done this hike twice, but on the first trip I turned back less than a mile from the peak. There was too much snow after a big snowstorm in November.
I made it to the top a couple years later. It's really cool to look down at Badwater, Death Valley on one side, and Mt Whitney with the Eastern Sierras on the other side.
There's some trees for the first mile or so, but its all exposed after that.
You'll need 4x4 to get to the trailhead and Mahogany Flat Campground. Otherwise you'll hike an extra mile from the Charcoal Kilns.
This is a really remote location relative to the rest of Death Valley.
Easily one of the best hikes I've ever done."
Joshua Gibbs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common trailhead is Mahogany Flat Campground. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle due to rough roads. If you don't have 4x4, you'll need to hike an extra mile to reach the trailhead from the Charcoal Kilns. The drive from Las Vegas can be done in a day, but it's a long one.
Yes, Telescope Peak is the highest point within Death Valley National Park, reaching 11,043 feet.
No, you cannot drive to the summit. The hike is strenuous and requires significant effort to reach the top.
The drive to the trailhead can be challenging, especially the final stretch to Mahogany Flat Campground, which often requires 4x4. The scenery on the way is starkly beautiful, characteristic of Death Valley.
While technically accessible, winter conditions can make the hike very challenging due to snow and ice. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant hiking weather.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required for day hiking Telescope Peak. However, if you plan to backpack or camp in the backcountry, you will need to obtain a wilderness permit from the National Park Service.
Death Valley National Park has an entrance fee. As of recent information, it's typically around $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most current fees.
There are no additional fees specifically for hiking Telescope Peak beyond the general Death Valley National Park entrance fee.
Telescope Peak is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible 24/7. However, the best times to hike are during daylight hours, and trail conditions can vary significantly by season.
Yes, guided tours are available for Telescope Peak, often offered by local outfitters. These tours can be particularly helpful for navigating winter conditions or for those seeking a more supported hiking experience.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Telescope Peak is approximately 14 miles roundtrip. Depending on your fitness level, pace, and trail conditions, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10.5 hours.
The hike is considered strenuous due to its length, elevation gain, and the altitude. The switchbacks near the summit can be particularly challenging.
Expect breathtaking 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see for over 100 miles, including landmarks like Mount Whitney and Charleston Peak.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the Mahogany Flat Campground trailhead. There are no restrooms along the trail itself.
While Death Valley is renowned for stargazing,+3 Telescope Peak itself is less ideal for casual stargazing due to its high altitude and potential for cold, windy conditions. The lower elevations of Death Valley offer better accessibility for night sky viewing.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers unparalleled panoramic views. Don't miss capturing the ancient bristlecone pines, the dramatic desert landscape, and the contrast between the arid desert floor and the alpine environment.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for the expansive views. Midday can be harsh, but the stark desert light can also create unique photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. Consider a telephoto lens for distant peaks. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions or long exposures.+1
The sections with bristlecone pines offer unique photographic subjects. The summit itself is the ultimate photo spot, but keep an eye out for interesting rock formations and expansive vistas along the way.
While Death Valley is excellent for astrophotography,+3 Telescope Peak's summit might be too cold and windy for comfortable night photography. Lower elevations in Death Valley are generally preferred for stargazing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Ecosystem of Telescope Peak
The trail winds through various life zones, showcasing this dramatic shift. You'll start in a desert scrub environment and ascend through pinyon-juniper woodlands before reaching the subalpine zone. This transition is not just visually stunning but also ecologically significant, highlighting the diverse microclimates within Death Valley National Park.
Hikers often note the surprising greenery and cooler temperatures at higher elevations, a welcome respite from the desert heat below.
This unique ecosystem makes the trek not just a physical challenge but also an educational journey into the adaptability of life.Navigating Winter Conditions on Telescope Peak
Microspikes or crampons are often recommended for traction on icy patches, and snowshoes might be necessary if the snow is deep.
Travelers have reported varying snow depths, from a few inches to over a foot, so preparedness is key. Even on cloudy days, the sun can be intense, so sun protection is still crucial. The reward for braving the winter elements is a serene and less crowded experience, with the possibility of seeing the landscape in a completely different light.
The Journey to the Top: Trail Experience
Along the route, you'll encounter the ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are thousands of years old. These hardy trees are a highlight for many, offering a sense of timelessness. The trail is largely exposed after the initial wooded section, so be prepared for sun and wind.
Reaching the summit is an accomplishment rewarded with truly spectacular views. The sense of solitude and the vastness of the landscape are often cited as profound experiences by those who make the trek.
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