Telescope Peak

Great walk. Great views - although a bit hazy due to fires when I visited (October 2025). Was very mild weather, almost cold, when I set out and never got too hot. Would only do this walk in summer if I started before dawn and planned to be at summit for sunrise (track is very clear and you could do the walk with a headtorch).

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!

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.

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.

Great hike, super prominent mountain. Fun to be in death valley national park and be walking through snow in late May.

This is a five star hike! Easy driving to Wildrose Camp and Kilns but last three up to Mahogany flats, signs say high clearance vehicles recommended -- not wrong. We brought 2WD low clearance up to Mahogany and it was at the limits of this vehicle to get there. Bring your water/electrolytes/supplies, it's remote and not a place to visit without proper preparations. We camped at Mahogany Flats, very nice campgrounds on ridge below the peaks w/ pit toilet. Nightime temp there was mid 70s. We opted to limit sun exposure and start the hike up just before the crack of dawn at 4:30am. Cool mountain breeze was flowing higher to lower at the start, very pleasant to hike. We caught sunrise several miles up the trail, absolutely gorgeous. With above average spring rainfall in the area I was surprised at the lush green grasses, blooming cactus, and blooming wildflowers of all varieties... did not seem as though it could be Death Valley in July. We reached the peak at 9am enjoyed the view of Mt. Whitney to the west and Badwater Basin to the east just at the base of the peak. Sun intensity was evident as we descended and the breezes shifted to come from below. The trail skirts enough trees up high (last mile or so) and down below (first few miles) so that they can be used for sun shelter for water breaks. The upper meadows (miles 3 - 5) are completely exposed. We came off the trail at about noon and temps approaching 90F. Hydration, sun protection, trusty shoes, and good vehicle will make this one you will be happy to have accomplished.

Spent the night at Mahogony Flats campground. I was the only car there (September 27) and only 4 people hit the summit that day. I brought my little boy on my pack, and the elevation made things tough at the end near the summit but we made it. Took about 3:30 to get up and about 3:00 to get down, going at a decent pace with just a couple stops. I'd say most people could do this hike as it's 12 miles roundtrip. I give it a 4 star review because I had an amazing time and the views were spectacular, but the approach (long drive in jeep, rough roads, far from LA) made it tough to get to....however that can also be an upside to many people looking to get to a remote area far from any crowds. Amazing day, highly recommend this!!!

Great trail with beautiful views! The summit has superb views! Best hike in Death Valley and the world!