MT. SAN JACINTO (10,804'), RYAN MOUNTAIN (5,461'), LAST CHANCE MOUNTAIN (8,456') October 1-3, 1986

Teaming up with a young, avid peak bagger, we carpooled south in his red pick-up truck to the vicinity of Banning, CA. We had gotten a view of Mt. San Gorgonio. Picking up a permit in Idyllwild, CA we started our hike of Mt. San Jacinto via Humber Park. This is a longer route to the top, as you can take the tram to Round Valley for a much easier way. The trail runs up through forests and you get views of the desert to the east. We topped out in the morning yet, and enjoyed the fine views. Having our hike back down, we camped somewhere.

The next day, we went to Joshua Tree National Monument, then, and hiked Ryan Mountain. This is another easy desert hike. Motoring northward on desert highways, we hiked a bit at Kelso Dunes, saw some climbing areas, caught a sight of the Providence Mountains, and toured in the East Mojave, before it was a Preserve. Coming then to Interstate 15, we headed for Las Vegas.

Getting there in the late afternoon, we wandered along the Strip, and then saw a rainbow. We came back to see Vegas at night. Camping up in the mountains by Charleston Park, we enjoyed a nice sunrise. It had rained during the night, so my bag got wet.

Motoring north again, we headed for Death Valley. We came to about Teakettle Junction, and decided to climb Last Chance Mountain. The road was rough, but we bumped on in, and hiked the peak. The view was awesome, and I liked the fine weather.

Staying somewhere with another car camp, we saw the fall colors as we headed north on U.S. 395.

Being another short desert adventure, I liked doing this, climbing peaks and seeing the sights. It is a rare person who likes the desert and desert peak bagging, all the way from Northern California. He and I were to go on bagging many more peaks, although this was about the only time we teamed up for this.

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