Pinto Mountain

Joshua Tree National Park, CA

Info

Distance
8.4 mi
Elevation gain
2,700 ft
Route type
Out & back
Duration
4 hr
Crux
Class 2
Quality
6/10
Ecoregion

Peaks bagged

1
Pinto Mountain
DPS
Zdon
3,982 ft / Rise 1,253 ft
DPS
Desert Peaks Section
Zdon
Andy Zdon's Desert Summits

Trip report

Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
From Pinto Basin Sand Dunes Trailhead, starting the 2-mile walk through the open desert to the base of Pinto Mountain. A small, sand covered ridge can be seen about a mile away.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
On top of the ridge. From here the route descents about 100 feet, crossing a dry creek bed.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
A "coyote melon" gourd growing inside the dry creek bed.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Aiming for a large drainage, seen here on the right.
Compacted gravel at the edge of an alluvial fan fed by the drainage.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Crossing the drainage en route to the ascent ridge, ahead.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
A use-trail appears at the base of the ridge.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Class 2 section shortly after gaining the ridge.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Looking back down the drainage.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
The use-trail clings to the right side of the ridge, avoiding trickier terrain along the crest.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Pinto Mountain's summit comes into view. The use-trail can be seen cutting across the slope on the right.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
View down a colorful, easternly drainage.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Passing through an ocotillo patch.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Brilliant rock layers.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
The use-trail contours around several bumps along the ridge.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Looking back.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Approaching a steep section.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Final push.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
View toward the western half of Joshua Tree National Park.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Topping out on Pinto Mountain's flat summit.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
Rock cairn at Pinto Mountain's summit. View northeast.
Trip report photo for Pinto Mountain
View south.

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