Morris Peak via Pacific Crest Trail
4.4 mi
Distance
2 hrs 16 min
Time
terrain
1,339 ft
Elev Gain
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Solo day hiked Tues 1/30/24 – Started on a pack trail from the Nadeau-Magnolia mine to get on the PCT. Made a counter-clockwise lollipop loop to climb 4 peaks in unseasonably great weather before this week’s storm. Going up the north face of Morris Peak is beautiful on a nice and easy use trail. Some snowy trail sections on PCT (N-NE exposure) on the way to the other summits that felt good on the feet. Had to really look for the start of the use trail from PCT to ascend Mt Jenkins but was a blast going up it with very fun rock scrambling on the last part to the summit. People have taken the time to mark this route with many cairns which greatly eased the navigation work. The views off Jenkins were very picturesque and the summit rock formations similar to the Palisades. Mt Jenkins North was a slog through unstable talus and dead trees – enough said. Leaving the PCT for the 1400 ft direct ascent up the S-SW ridge of Owens started gently but quickly turned steep. I just couldn’t resist climbing the excellent but easily detoured rock formations along the way but they took some time. Pleasantly surprised to see some cairns along this route, directing you to stay on the east side. I did come off to the west side after one of the rock climbs, ending up on a very steep snow slope before heading back to the east side. Views from the Owens summit were the best of the day, ranging from Lake Isabella to the entire Sierra and the prominent Death Valley peaks. Was careful going down the smooth slabs and black talus while descending the Owens Peak Trail, using the numerous, well placed cairns to stay on route. Made a few stops on the way back to see some Native American rock art and walk around the Nadeau-Magnolia gold mine. Highly recommend the Morris, Jenkins and Owens peaks as well as the mine. Logged 17.3 miles/6324 vertical ft. with Gaia.
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