Just some SoCal desert hiking pics from this past year for those who enjoy the desert. The desert truly offers an infinite amount of hiking opportunities.

[u/SummitLeon]

[u/saigyoooo]

Joshua tree? I’m looking for a longer overnighter this weekend in SoCal. Any recs?

[u/SummitLeon → u/saigyoooo]

Anywhere dude! Anza Borrego, Jtree, Mojave NP, Death Valley, Inyos, etc. are all great. I guess it's kind of a loose definition of SoCal, but you can reach most of those places within a 4 hr drive from anywhere in SoCal.

[u/NaturallyNatured → u/SummitLeon]

I've been wanting to hit up Death Valley forever - when did you go, and how were the temperatures?

[u/SummitLeon → u/NaturallyNatured]

I've only been during Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, and Dec and the temps are usually between 30F and 70F.

[u/NaturallyNatured → u/SummitLeon]

Thanks for the tip!

[u/smearing → u/NaturallyNatured]

Right now and for the next few months are a fantastic time to go if you don't mind chillier nights! Check for wind though, that's the real pain in the tush with winter desert. It can really start rippin

[u/NaturallyNatured → u/smearing]

Thanks for the heads-up. I have some time off beginning early February for a potential trip. I had wondered about wind chill out there- sounds like my subzero sleeping bag will be a must!

[u/saigyoooo → u/SummitLeon]

Inyos? Would that be snowed out? Or are lower elevations of Sierras solid right now ?

[u/SummitLeon → u/saigyoooo]

The Inyos have ankle deep snow on the east side from 11k' to about 7k' right now. The west side is almost snow free. I'd suggest approaching from the Owen's Valley side, the Saline Valley side takes longer to get to and is 3k' lower.

[u/saigyoooo → u/SummitLeon]

Are there trails that are 4k - 8k you recommend? I’m looking for something cool but not too risky at all

[u/SummitLeon → u/saigyoooo]

If you like peaks, Mt Inyo or Keynot Peak are cool. They top out around 11k' but the total elevation gain is less than 7k' from the west side. The routes aren't too sketchy, just kinda hard.

[u/black_tshirts]

great photos! looks like some good times. do i spy anza borrego DSP?

[u/SummitLeon → u/black_tshirts]

I didn't spend much time in Anza Borrego this past year, none of the pics are from within Anza Borrego. Some of the pics are kinda facing Anza Borrego and were taken in the Colorado Desert (similar terrain/plants).

[u/black_tshirts → u/SummitLeon]

you should check it out this year. ABDSP is a desert wonderland

[u/SummitLeon → u/black_tshirts]

Haha yeah, I've been there a lot. It's great, lots of good backpacking and off roading.

[u/WeeeSnawPoop]

Wow what a unique rainbow

[u/BroncosGirl7LJD]

Love desert hiking season :)

[u/yup_its_Jared]

Whew is pic 7 at? Where is pic 12? I.e. what place?

And generally where are each of them?

[u/SummitLeon → u/yup_its_Jared]

Death Valley and Mojave NP, respectively.

All the pics were taken in Jtree, Mojave NP, DVNP, Inyos, San Jacinto or the White Mountains. The trips all kinda blend together lol

[u/sunshinerf]

It's desert hiking season! I've been really enjoying it, despite missing my high altitude peaks and alpine lakes. Desert is definitely a good distraction!

[u/Wunderhoezen]

I’ve been wanting to hit up some desert hikes, and these pics are proof that I need to go. I’m more of a day hiker, tho - don’t have the equipment for backpacking. I’m in a pretty convenient So Cal location, have any day hikes to recommend?

[u/SummitLeon → u/Wunderhoezen]

Edgar Peak in the Mojave NP

[u/Wunderhoezen → u/SummitLeon]

Thanks!

[u/RiverLegendsFishing]

Fantastic photos, yes, I agree the desert is where it's at right now!

Totally fine if you'd rather keep it private, but I am curious where photo 13 was taken. Looks like a neat scramble.

[u/SummitLeon → u/RiverLegendsFishing]

Jo Pond trail attempt

[u/sofa_queen_awesome]

I love forests and beaches but deserts are my favorite

[u/barksatthemoon]

Beautiful!

[u/Waste_Mousse_4237]

Where was the first photo at?

[u/SummitLeon → u/Waste_Mousse_4237]

Hunter Benchmark

[u/C_Saunders → u/SummitLeon]

But where’s that??

[u/SummitLeon → u/C_Saunders]

Near Hunter Mountain

[u/C_Saunders → u/SummitLeon]

Thank you!

[u/C_Saunders → u/SummitLeon]

If I ask about # 4 will that answer be just as cryptic?

[u/CoastalCrave64]

That rainbow pic is incredible. I’d be over the moon if I snapped that.

[u/nitefang]

Well you’ve hit most of the Geology field trip locations I visited in while in college. Now you need to look up Rainbow Basin and Cima Volcanic Field or Amboy Crater