Ref: Hiking Western Death Valley Nat.
Park
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Darwin Peak in the
foreground (center) from Ophir Mountain.
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Scramble:
RT 5.0 (including Ophir Mountain); 2.0 up from Ophir Mountain. After
ascending Ophir Mountain, we backtracked to another service road at the
base of Darwin Peak. The climb was brief but worthwhile; a rock fin
along the broad ridge adds interest. We enjoyed the pleasant weather
and beautiful view before heading straight down to an old mine shaft,
then connecting with another road back to the main access road. The
addition of this small summit was a nice touch; it was a great day of
hiking among cacti.
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Backtracking
towards the road junction, SE 28 leads to a landing (arrow).
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Beyond the landing,
random hiking to a saddle ensues.
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The climb is short
and sweet.
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The shoulder is
spiked with a line of rock fins.
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Blue-gray limestone caps the top.
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Looking
east, Telescope Peak is clearly visible in the distance on the right.
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The
southern view includes Maturango Peak in the Argus Range.
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Coso
Peak to the west.
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Leaving the top.
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An
uncovered, abandoned mine shaft.
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Returning
to the main service road.
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| Back
to home page
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