Station Peak is one of the more remote peaks of the White Mountains. With Rex's SUV we were hoping to get all the way to the base, but we had bikes if the road turned out to be too rough. From the main road we turned right towards the Crooked Creek Station (road 5S01). Past the station the road got much rougher. We made it a few miles down before it was too much for the Pilot.
On the way.
A short distance after starting my bike decided it had had enough, and the rear wheel came loose. Luckily, we had the tools and strength to get it back where it belonged. Thankfully it was the last real problem I had with my (very old and cheap) bike that weekend. After riding downhill a few miles, we turned off and headed up (road 5S01B). Around the place this spur road ended, there was a small station with two guys working. They were doing something with the cattle grazing in the area.
Station Peak.
From here there was no road or trail, and it was too steep for the bikes, so we left them by a rock and walked the rest of the way. On the way up we went straight. It was a decent route, however our return route was better. On the way down we hiked to the col to the east of the summit then followed the reentrant back to the bikes. I think I would take this route up next time.
Large meadow where we left the bikes.
The summit was covered with flying ants or something like that. It was pretty bad when the breeze didn't blow. There was marginal cell service, and we were able to get a few spots out. Sadly, the bands were in terrible shape, and I barely got my contacts. We could see rain moving in, so we packed up quickly and got out. Back at the bikes we rode back to the road, then up the hill to the car. It is hard to bike at elevation. So hard.
Route: Take the road past Crooked Creek Station as far as you can or will drive. The bike or hike to the small station, the cross country up to the summit.
This peak is the easiest in the White Mountains, by far. The main road goes around the peak just below the summit. However, the only nearby parking is to the south, at the last switchback below the peak. We parked here.
Radio set up at the summit.
From the pullout, it was about a five minute walk up to the top. I was pretty out of breath despite spending the night at 8000 feet. I guess it takes more that eight hours to acclimate.
Pointing at tomorrow's goal, White Mountain Peak.
There was good cell service on top, and the bands were open. We shared a KX2 so we could eavesdrop on all the QSOs. It was a quick and easy activation.
Bristlecone Pines.
We didn't spend too long on top since we wanted to get another peak or two before heading to the end of the road. We were feeling good and hopeful, so we decided to try and get Station Peak next.
KE6MT, N6RUN, and had decided to go to the White Mountains for some peakbagging and SOTA. In order to acclimate a little, we left after work on Thursday and drove through Yosemite to spend the night on top of Lookout Mountain. I was around 11:30pm when we arrived at the turn off from 395, and with Rex's SUV we quickly made it to the top.
Trying a midnight activation.
It was a bit hard to see, but my guess is a sedan would've had a lot of trouble getting up to the summit. There were a few rough or sandy sections. We put up our tents, then quickly put up an antenna. Saurabh called CQ for a while, but only got two contacts. Since it was late, we went to bed after deciding to just get our contacts in the morning.
Sierra in the background.
In the morning I woke up first and got on the air. Since it was light across North America, it was easy to get contacts and I quickly got a dozen or so. As the other took their turns, I packed up and made breakfast. Once we all had our contacts and had finished packing up, we headed back down the hill and on to Bishop.
Despite a few trees, the views were excellent.
At the Great Basin Bakery, we met up with Adam K6ARK who was in town for his own trip. Properly fueled with tasty sandwiches, we headed into the White Mountains and our next summit, Peak 10920.
Trailhead: None, just drive to the summit. Turnoff is across from the Mammoth Scenic Drive north entrance.
I know you are wondering what does a baseball double play have to do with (POTA) Parks on the Air. Let me briefly explain my introduction into Parks on the Air.
During the Pandemic shutdown I stumbled upon Parks on the Air (POTA), Summits on the Air (SOTA) and shortly thereafter World Wide Flora & Fauna (WWFF). Information on the first two were readily available as it related to me here in the U.S. However, at face value, all I could conceive about WWFF from YouTube videos; that it was an organization dedicated to countries outside of the U.S. What a HUGE MISCONCEPTION. Once I delved further; I learned WWFF was Worldwide just as POTA and SOTA. Since becoming a POTA activator in 2021, there are few POTA sites near my QTH that are part of WWFF which I've included in my POTA activations.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago while going through my YouTube Amateur Radio recommendations I came upon a video by Stuart VE9CF "This One Thing Often Overlooked By Almost All POTA Operators".
In Stuart's YouTube video, he explains how some POTA activators overlook the relationship between POTA and WWFF and how to combine the two, just like you would with POTA and SOTA.
Now, where does the Baseball Double Play analogy come into play. There are thousands of POTA sites that are part of the WWFF network. With those POTA sites you can combine those WWFF sites and POTA sites for a Double Play. Thanks to Stuart (VE9CF), I wanted to pass along to those who may be unaware of the relationship with POTA and WWFF. Find out more about Stuart's Ham Radio experiences on his YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@outnaboot and his website: https://www.outnaboot.ca/
To find out more about World Wide Flora & Fauna, how to register and WWFF sites (U.S.) and abroad, here is the link:
This is one of three SOTA peaks in the Kaiser Wilderness above Huntington Lake. After some staring at a map, I decided the easiest approach was to drive up to Kaiser Pass, then follow the ridge. This is broadly what we did.
About to enter the wilderness.
The road gets pretty narrow and windy on the way up to the pass, so be prepared for that. There was plenty of parking at the pass, and even some bathrooms. Much cushier than I expected. Heading up the hill we passed a few campfire rings, then the sign marking the wilderness boundary. The slope here is pretty gentle, and it was a pleasant walk through a Sierra forest. On top of the first sub peak we headed down to the col.
Enjoying the view from the open areas.
On the way there we stayed high enough to avoid the marshy meadows. It was probably slightly longer, but having dry shoes made it worth it. The original plan was to get on the ridge and follow it to the summit, but the ridge looked pretty rough. We decided to stay a little below where we only had to walk through calf-high brush. Going was pretty easy, and there weren't any areas we had to fight through.
Huntington Lake.
After you pass around the last sub-peak, you can see the summit above you. This climb was the steepest of the day, but nothing terrible. From below it looks like there are some cliff bands, but the rocks are broken and it was easy to just walk to the summit. From the top the views to the north were excellent, there being a cliff on that side of the mountain. My Verizon phone had ok service, enough to put out some spots. AT&T had some, but not as good.
Making contacts with the new KH1.
The bands were not in good shape, but I managed to get enough on HF with only the KH1 whip. We called on 2m for a while, but there was a station hogging the calling frequency, so we didn't make many there.
We retraced our steps, more or less, to get back to the car. We stayed a little lower on the ridge during the traverse, and it was just as easy as higher. It did mean, however, we had to cross the wet meadow. Luckily we were able to find enough solid ground to keep our feet dry. Back at the car we coasted down the hill to the general store at the marina to get some snacks and beverages, then back to the campground to relax by the lake.
It was getting close to the end of our time in Korea, but there was still time for one more SOTA activation. We were back in Seoul, so I picked a summit that was easy to get to from the subway. This peak is south of the Gangnam neighborhood, made famous by the song.
The trails were well signed, and seemed pretty popular.
From the Yangjae Citizens Forest station exit 3 I walked south along the road. There is a busy road to cross, then a few buildings, then I stepped into the woods. Based on the maps I was expecting a well marked trail. But instead I found an unmarked, not well used path. It was going the right direction, and in the spot I expected, so I followed it. After a quarter mile or so it intersected with a much nicer path.
Occasional glimpses of the city.
This trail was obviously what I wanted, and what I had been expecting, so I followed it up the ridge. There were a fair number of people out for a hike. Like the other hikes I had done here, it was much more humid than I was expecting. I'm really spoiled living in California. It did feel like it was going to rain, but I never felt more than a few drops.
Weather station on the ridge.
At one of the intersections there was a big sign telling about the Seoul Trail that circumnavigates the city. It seemed like it could be an interesting thing to do if you lived there. Shortly before the summit is an excellent view point. I stopped for a few pictures before continuing on to the high point. The summit was unremarkable. Just below, near a tower, was a bench I decided to sit at. It was slightly difficult putting up the antenna through the trees, but I managed well enough. On the air I worked Korean and Japanese stations.
Seoul: Namsan on the left, Lotte Tower, Bukhansan
Once HF was packed up, I walked back to the viewpoint to see if I could get anyone on 2m. I got two more stations, then headed back down. This time I took the nice trail all the way to the bottom, where it came out between a few buildings. It would've been hard to find that trailhead without knowing about it.
Trailhead: Yangjae Citizens Park subway station, exit 3.
Route: Head south along the road, crossing the expressway. In between the buildings there is a trailhead, or the one along the main road. Follow the trail to the summit.
During our Korea trip we spent a few days in Busan. This lovely city is nestled among the hills on the southeast coast of the peninsula, and as you'd expect for a hilly city, has some good SOTA opportunities. Naina was in need of a nap, but I had plenty of energy, so I headed out one afternoon for a walk up a local peak. I chose Jangsanbong because it was reasonable close to a subway stop on the 2 line, and our hotel was also on the 2 line.
From Haeundae Beach, I think thats the summit I went to.
We only got one SIM card for the trip, and it was in Naina's phone, so I had to navigate the "old fashioned" way, with just the maps downloaded to my phone. It was not hard, since the phone maps will show you where you are using GPS. I got off the subway at the Kyungsung Univ.-Pukyong Nat'l Univ. stop, then went out exit 3. A u-turn at the top of the stairs then left turn had me heading down the right road.
The summit hiding behind the buildings.
I walked past Pukyong National University, following the main road. At a three way intersection I didn't have to cross, and beared left. Shortly after this there was a busy expressway crossing, so I had to wait for the walk signal. The area on the ocean side of the expressway was much less busy, and felt less built up. The road kept getting smaller and smaller, until it was two lanes with no median. I crossed at a crosswalk shortly before the sidewalk ended.
Helpful(?) map of the park and mountain. I followed the green path, more or less.
As you pass the last buildings, the road gets much steeper. Some meters of climbing later I passed a nice looking building, then a parking lot. There are bathrooms in the building, which was nice, and at the far corner of the parking lot was a trailhead. It was late Sunday afternoon, but the lot was nearly full, and I saw many people out in the park. After a quick glance at a map board, I decided it would be easier to just follow my phone.
Paved trail on the way up.
The trails in the park had impeccable maintenance. The steep parts were paved or had steps, and the trails were wide. It was nice to be off the city streets. At the top of the first climb, where I got onto the ridge, there was a free outdoor gym. People were using it. This was to become a theme. I followed the main trail up the ridge. Every once in a while there would be a small gap in the trees and a view of Busan, but don't come here if you're expecting views.
Marker at the summit. I'm not sure what its marking though.
Just below the summit there is a turn off to the high point. I walked through another gym, also in use, to the summit which was an open field. There was a big X in the field, with a path around the perimeter. There are some benches next to the main trail at the junction, in the activation zone, but I decided it would be easier to put up a wire in the open field on top. I used the bushes to hold the pole, and was soon on the air. I thought I'd get a lot of Japanese stations on 40m, but I only got two. I was getting worried as I switched to 20m, but it turns out 20m was probably a better band for getting Japan. I also managed to get a chaser in New Zealand.
Views of Suyeongman Bay and Busan. Haeundae Beach is on the right, below the three towers.
Once I had packed up I took the same route back down. I passed a viewpoint I had missed on the way up, and that small detour was worth it. The trees had been cleared enough to see the harbor, Hauendae Beach, and parts of downtown. The soft evening light made the scene beautiful. I managed to get through the city, ride the subway, and get back to the hotel just before dark. Though I wasn't too worried once I got to the streets since I knew they'd be lit.
Post-activation soju.
Trailhead: I started at the Kyungsung University stop on subway line 2, but if you have a car you can get much closer.
Route: From the Kyungsung University stop on subway line 2, follow the main road towards Pukyong University, across the expressway, and up past the church to the parking lot. Then take the main trail up to the summit.
We were in Korea for vacation, so naturally I wanted to do some SOTA. Korea is a mountainous place, and it looked like there were plenty of choices. The first summit we did is in the middle of Seoul, literally. The geographic center of the city is on the side of the plaza on top.
The tower is visible from a lot of places in the city, including this traffic island in Myeongdong.
Our hotel was in the Myeongdong neighborhood, near the Hoehyeon subway station. From exit 1, head uphill through the neighborhood. There was a flight of stairs just below a busy road, which we crossed to enter Baekboem Plaza. The tower on top was visible from here, and it was easy to follow the path to the bottom of the staircase.
From the plaza. Still some blossoms on the trees!
Since the summit is easy to get to in a big city, there were a lot of people out. The stairs up to the top were wide and paved. There are plenty of benches, and even a few viewing platforms on the way. It was hazy as we ascended, but we could still see Bukhansan a few kilometers away to the north. We were glad it was cool out, it probably would have been a miserable hike in the summer.
Base of the stairs.
You know you are close when you see the cable car terminal. This is also where it goes from busy to crowded. Once you make it up the last few stairs, there are plenty of benches around the plaza and under the structure. We sat for a few minutes taking in the scene. On one side the fence is filled with locks that couples have attached. There was even a vending machine to buy your own to add.
High point of Namsan.
We found a bench out of the way, and I got on 2m. I had been warned that Korean hams are chatty, and they were. It took a couple of minutes calling CQ, but I soon had a long conversation with someone who couldn't quite get my Korean callsign (HL1/AA6XA). The slash seemed to trip him up. After a long chat I got two more stations in the log. Some more CQ calls didn't get anyone else, and we were getting bored and hungry, so I packed up. I thought about trying HF, but there really isn't anywhere to put up a wire without getting in people's way.
At the geographic center of Seoul.
We took the stairs back down, then turned onto a different road to get to the bibimbap restaurant near the base. It was a tasty and well earned lunch.
Trailhead: We started from Hoehyeon Station exit 1, but there are myriad routes one could take
This little peak is across the road from Lava Hot Springs. Since it was the winter, and there was snow on the ground, I parked in the empty lot at the corner of Center and River streets. From here it was a short walk up River Street to Highway 30. After making it across, I walked up the dirt road to what seemed like a good spot to go up the railroad embankment. I crossed the tracks and was on my way.
Looking up, across the tracks.
The hike up the hill is steep. It was not, however, steep enough to need traction in the snow. Most of the hill just across the tracks is either State or BLM land, so no problems with access. And the scary cliffs you can see from the highway are easy to bypass. Near the top of the ridge I crossed a road, leading to a hut. It wasn't really the direction I wanted to go, so I continued up to the ridge, then across towards the summit.
Nice views to the west on the way up.
It was a lot easier hiking on the ridge, since it was much less steep. The highest area had more snow, but not enough to make walking difficult. I tagged what appeared to be the high point in some rocks, then went over to find a spot to put up my antenna. On the air I made plenty of contacts, and had great cell service on top.
Antenna on the summit.
Going down was easy, I just followed my footprints. The steep section was a lot more fun, since I could slide a little on each step to get down faster. At the bottom I carefully crossed the tracks and highway again, and walked back down the road to my car. Overall, it was a fun hike and a great day to be out in the mountains.
Trailhead: Big parking lot at the corner of Center St and River St. In the summer you can probably park on the dirt pullout by the tracks, across the highway.
At first glance, there is no way to get to this peak without trespassing. However, intrepid hiker, this is a public way. A corner of BLM land crosses West Buckskin Road at approximately 42°52'11.0"N 112°21'32.0"W. This is where you should park.
Heading up the hill.
Since it is only a narrow bit of public land at the road, you have to go straight up a rather steep hill. I lucked out and went after a few warm days had melted all the snow from this south facing slope, but it would be treacherous with snow or ice. After climbing a couple hundred feet in way too short a distance, you reach the top of the first hill. The summit is visible, as is the sub-peak you have to go over. Fun.
At least there are nice views on the way up.
There are no trails here, but the brush is easy to go through or around. The climb up the sub-peak is steep, maybe a little less than the first climb. On the top you have to drop again before the final climb. Its a real roller coaster of a hike. The final push isn't as bad as the first two.
Looking south, I think.
The summit is long and narrow. It was pretty windy when I was up there, but the lee side of the hill was also the snowy side, so I decided it would be warmer to sit in the sun and wind. As I was putting up my wire, it broke at the feed point. I didn't want to take off my gloves, so I put it away and did an activation with only the whip. 20m was wide open, and I got a decent pileup. A few people got some extra QSB as the wind blew the whip over and I had to put it back to vertical.
I was able to fix it once I got off the mountain.
To get back, just retrace your steps. The downs seem even steeper than when you went up. Crazy how that is. Back at the road, with tired knees, I got back in the car and drove back into town. It was a fun hike. Maybe someday a spot with better access will open, but until then I'm glad there's a place it can be done from.
Trailhead: (42.86945, -112.35832). There is a pullout here with space for about two cars.
Right after hiking and activating Rabbit Mountain I drove across Soda Springs to the end of North Main Street. There is a dirt lot at the very end of the street in which I parked. Next to the lot is a dirt recreation trail which travels around the base of the hill. Perfect for finding a good spot to head up.
Looking back at the parking area.
I walked a short distance down the path before heading up the hill. There was a pullout in front of a fenced area, with open water behind the fence. Behind a concrete barrier with a "No Motorized Vehicles" sign was a use path heading up. I didn't see any tracks in the snow, but decided it was a good spot to head up.
Where I left the bike path and headed up the trail.
The trail climbed up, but never at an objectionable steepness. At a fence with an open gate another trail joined, and a single trail continued up the mountain. The trail first goes to a lower false summit with a big stone cairn on top. This seems to be where most people stop, since I didn't see a well worn trail after that.
Large cairn on the false summit. Some sort of power plant belching steam or smoke in the background.
From the cairn I dropped down a short distance to a wide, brush filled col. There were tracks across the brush, either from humans or animals. But either way, it made crossing pretty easy. On the other side I started climbing up to the summit. The top is covered in an open forest. I had no problem picking my way through the trees, and I think with some careful planning you could avoid the forest altogether.
Going up through the woods.
There was enough of a clearing at the high point to put up an antenna, but I had passed a clearing with a view a few feet lower, so I backtracked a little before setting up. There was great cell service the entire hike. On the air I did only 20m again, since it was chilly. And like on Rabbit Mountain, there was a big pileup.
Looking down at Soda Springs. (Or should we call it SOTA Springs?)
I took the same path back to the car. Not really any good options for a loop on this hill. From the base it was about an hour drive back to Pocatello and a warm shower.
Trailhead: Dirt lot at the end of North Main Street.
Route: Take the bike path around to where you want to go up the hill, then follow one of the trails to the false summit. Cross the col, and head up through the woods to the high point.
There are two SOTA peaks on either side of Soda Springs Idaho. This peak and Chester Hill. I drove out to these peaks for a double activation. First up was Rabbit Mountain. Following the advice of Bill N0DNF, I parked at the baseball fields in Kelly Park. At least I assume they were baseball fields, everything was covered in snow. Across the street I found a cross country trail, and started heading up.
One of the signs. Skiing, disc golf, there was a lot going on there.
There is a small ridge that all the trails go around, to the right. I followed them around, then climbed up to the large water tank. The groomed and used section of ski trail seemed to end at the tank. After looking around a bit, I decided it would be easiest to just go straight up the hill, and that is what I did.
View from near the water tank.
The first part was through waist high grass. Where the hill got steeper, the grass ended and it was thigh high brush. Not hard to get through in the winter, but might be more of a challenge in the summer. The views did get better as I climbed towards a small wood at the top. It turns out the summit is through the woods and higher, but as you go up you can't see that.
View from the top. Low clouds the day I was there.
I was able to get through the woods without much trouble. There were a lot of deer tracks and other signs, so I just followed those where I could. Animals usually are good at finding the easiest way through. On the other side I found a road, and followed it to the towers.
I used one of the fences to hold up my pole, and got on the air. Since I didn't want to sit in the snow, I just kneeled in it. Not sure I stayed any warmer. With a big wire in the air I had a bigger pileup on 20m than I wanted, but I stayed long enough to work everyone.
I retraced my steps back down the hill, more or less. In some places I thought I could find a shorter way down, but I don't think I saved any time. Back at the car I drove the five minutes across town to the trailhead for Chester Hill.
Trailhead: Baseball fields in Kelly Park. Near the end of Kelly Park Road.
Route: Follow the cross country ski trails around the low ridge and up to the water tank. Then either go straight up the hill or follow old roads to the top.
On the east side of Pocatello, a mountain with a flat top covered in towers looks over the city. This is Chinese Peak. The peak is on BLM land, and a nice hike. I drove to the end of Barton Road and parked. In the winter the road is gated next to a small lot. I'm told in the summer you can drive all the way up.
Looking over at the Bannock Range across the freeway
To get to the top just follow the access road. It was obvious that lots of other people use this area for hiking and fun. The snow on the road was packed down, and there were even tire tracks that went all the way up. It is about three miles and 1700 vertical feet to the top from the parking lot.
Out of the wind and snow making contacts.
The tire tracks ended just below the summit, so the last quarter mile was a bit harder. I walked around on top looking for somewhere where I wouldn't have to sit in too much snow to set up, then spied a utility box just below the summit. I walked over and set up on it. As a bonus it was out of the gentle breeze as well.
As I started making contacts, everyone seemed very weak. I assumed it was because I was using the short whip, but realized that it was because the attenuator was turned on. It was much easier hearing people with it off.
Hazy in the early afternoon.
I didn't hang out on top too long, since I was getting cold. I took the same road back down. It appears there are some other trails in the BLM land, and you could approach from the north rather than the west. If you're looking for a longer or possibly more scenic hike, those trails could be a good option.
West of Pocatello, at the north end of the Bannock Range, stands Howard Mountain. Many parts of town have a view of the summit and its many towers. It is a pleasant hike, and worth a walk up. I woke up on my first day in Pocatello and the temperature was a crisp 17 degrees Fahrenheit. I could see the summit across town from the hotel. After breakfast, and some time psyching myself up for the cold, I drove across town to the trailhead at the end of West Trail Creek Road.
Peak on the right.
In the winter the road is gated about a mile below the saddle. There was plenty of space to park, despite the "No Parking" signs. It was cold, as I knew it would be. I was layered up, and wasted no time in heading up the trail. The first mile to the saddle is on a dirt road, and is obviously a popular spot for cross country skiing. There were a lot of tracks. In the summer you can drive up this part for an even shorter hike.
Looking back along the road.
At the col the nice, beaten down path ended as I made a right turn towards the summit. The snow wasn't deep, but it was much slower going as I had to make my own path. I thought about going straight up the hill to the high point, but decided it would be easier to take the graded road up. This worked out well until I got to the ridge, where the snow was thigh deep in places. Post-holing is not easy.
Making QSOs on the summit.
Eventually I got to the high point, which has a tower. I found a nice rock I could stand in front of and put up the wire. Having a KH1 would've made setup so much easier. It was much warmer on top than I was expecting. As the guy wires and tower warmed up in the morning sun, snow and ice would fall off making a racket. On the bands I had no trouble getting contacts. Since it was so warm, I chased a few summit to summit contacts before packing up.
Views of Pocatello.
Since going down is easier, I just went straight down to the road. This was steeper and slipperier than I thought it would be, but I made it to the road without falling. From there it was an easy walk back to the saddle and down to the car.
Trailhead: As far up West Trail Creek Road as you want to or can drive.
This was the final peak I was able to do on my 2023 desert trip. The trailhead is in the aptly named town of Red Mountain, along 395. Turn north onto Trona Road, then an immediate right onto the dirt road with the big pullout. Google calls this Steamwells Road. I was only able to drive about a quarter mile down the road in a sedan, but real OHVs could get much farther.
Summit on the right.
The roads in this area all had signs. I followed road 108. This winds its way to the base of the mountain, then goes up to a col north of the peak. The road was pretty rough in places; no problem for someone on foot, but could require some skill to drive. The climb to the col seemed easier than I expected. At the col there is another road that heads south up to the crest of the ridge.
Ridge near the summit.
After a very steep climb, the road levels out and ends at a dry pond. It seemed like an area that people camp at for fun. I found bits of a trail that lead higher, but nothing formal. The ridge crest is fairly rocky, but it was not hard to find a way up the next steep section. On top was a wide, gently sloped part of the ridge. It was easy walking, and I enjoyed the views. After going over a sub-peak, you drop a short distance down, then climb up a rocky area to the summit. From a distance it looks like there are some cliffs, but they are not bad to traverse.
Desert views.
There was a lot of debris at the summit. I put up my antenna and got busy making contacts. Cell service was good on top. The bands cooperated, and I had no problem getting my contacts. There was a rock with some graffiti scratched in. One was dated 1907. I wonder if it was real, or just some prankster.
Really from 1907?
I retraced my steps to get down. The creosote really hid the car, so I had to pay attention at the bottom to make sure I ended up back where I wanted to. But I did it, and headed back to town for lunch.
Trailhead: Pullout on Trona Road, or as far up 108 as you can drive.
Ridgecrest is a strangely named city. The name implies it is on top of a hill, but it is actually in a basin, near a dry lake bed. Nowhere near the crest of a ridge. This peak, however, is on the crest of the ridge south of town. I drove up 395 to the starting point for this unnamed peak. Boundry Road heads off to the east from the highway. I only had a sedan, so I was able to drive about half a mile up the sandy road. With a jeep or similar you could drive to the summit.
Decisions....
The hike is pretty straightforward. Just follow Boundary Road until you get to the summit. As simple as this sounds, however, I still managed to make some wrong turns. Some of the junctions are not signed, and didn't appear on the map I had. I did walk past some benches and art set up in the middle of the desert. Not sure if this is a rest area or a campground or something like that. I didn't stop.
Some benches at a campsite?
The relief is fairly low in this area, and there are a lot of small hills that look like they could be the summit. You have to walk past a few, and over the sides of some. The highest point is pretty rocky, and there is a turn around area for vehicles. Like most places in the desert, there is plenty of space. I found a nice rock to sit on off to the side of the road, and put up my antenna.
Summit area with Ridgecrest below.
I had a nice view of Ridgecrest as I operated, and very good cell service. The bands were decent, and I had no problems getting my contacts. Not sure if there are many hams in Ridgecrest, but it would be a good place to get them on 2m. Once I was done, I packed up and retraced my steps back to the car. This time, however, I did a better job following Boundary Road, and had a slightly shorter hike back.
Watch out for the cholla.
Trailhead: As far along Boundary Road as you want to or can drive.
This was the third peak of the Victorville Threesome I hiked. After Catholic Hill and Little Bell Mountain was Bell Mountain. This was the hardest of the three peaks. The trailhead for this peak is south of the summit. From Dale Evans Parkway head west on a dirt road. Google calls it Falchion Road, but I can't find this name on other maps. At the intersection with what Google calls Vega Road turn right and head north as far as you can. In a sedan I could get about a quarter mile down this final road. There was a nice place to turn around and park out of the way, so I decided to not risk getting stuck.
Bell Mountain from the trailhead.
I then walked up the road a bit to a sheltered area. In the satellite view I was able to see a trail, but I couldn't find it on the ground, so I just started going up the hill. It was steep. When I got to the ridge, I crossed the trail. It was a good place to find it, since above me on the ridge were some cliffs and the trail nicely routed around them. With the trail, it was easy to find my way up to the summit. There is a flagpole with a flag, and, appropriately, a bell. I signed the register and got on the air.
Its a steep hike to the summit.
There was good cell service, but no chasers. I called for a while on 20m, but didn't get anyone. Maybe it was too late in the day to get east coast people. Down on 40m I called, and barely got four contacts. Not the best activation, but it was successful. And I didn't get blown away in the strong wind. On the way down I followed the trail all the way to the base. There were some nice switchbacks lower down, and it was much more pleasant.
Looking back at the two other summits I did.
Back at the car I headed back to the pavement for the long drive to Ridgecrest. Along 395 there was an accident, with multiple campers in pieces on the side of the road with a crane lifting one onto something. Glad I missed the big jam I'm sure that caused. Be careful driving!
Trailhead: South of the summit, at the corner of Vega and Falchion Roads. Or as far up as you can drive.
The middle peak of the Victorville Threesome, Little Bell Mountain. After hiking Catholic Hill I drove a few minutes down the road to the base of this one. There is an access point for some OHV trails along Corwin Road, just across from Waalew Road. Since I only had a sedan, I pulled into the wide area just off the road and parked. A jeep or similar could get much closer.
The peak is in the middle of the frame.
From here, a sub-peak is closer, then the peak. I followed the OHV roads to the base of the col between the two peaks. From here it looked a bit better to go up the ridge on the right (north) to the main ridge, but going up the reentrant would probably have been fine.
Plenty of interesting desert plants out there.
It did not take me too long to climb up to the ridge. From here I just had to follow it along until I got to the high point. There was a small false summit on the way. This peak was much better for playing radio than Catholic Hill. Much more space on top, and no ants to attack. I was still pining after the KH1, but not as badly. There were also more chasers, or maybe I just wasn't so impatient. Cell service was excellent on top.
Looking down my route up and down the hill.
I took the same route back down. At the base I had to be careful, since there were so many paths to take and the car was hidden in the big creosote bushes. But my trusty GPS watch led me back without problems. Now I had done two summits, it was time to get number three, Bell Mountain.
Trailhead: Across from Waalew Road, as far as you're willing to drive.
This peak is one of three that I call the Victorville Threesome, three peaks along the same ridge, more or less. Catholic Hill was the first I did this day, and the easiest. I parked near the corner of Sylvan and Roanoke Roads in Apple Valley. There is a paved and gated road that leads up to a big water tank on the side of the hill.
At the start of the hike.
I walked up the pavement to the tank, then along the fence. On the other side there was a break in the small cliff that I could scramble up. From here, I just followed the ridge up to the summit. The terrain is covered in big rocks, so a bit of care is needed to find a way through, but it wasn't difficult.
Almost at the top.
There is a large cross on top, along with some solar garden lights. I suppose they like to have it lit up at night. Either way, it was a convenient support for my antenna pole. The radio gods must've heard my prayers, since I quickly got five contacts. I did, however, pick a bad place to sit. One crawling with red ants. After the first bite I hurried up a bit. It was also the day after Pacificon, where the Elecraft KH1 was announced, so I was really sad I didn't have one. It would've been the perfect summit for it.
Views of Apple Valley
I mostly took the same way down, but I cut down to the road at one of the small cols, before I got back to the water tank. This saved a little distance, but was a bit steep. Probably wouldn't have been fun to go up. Back I the car I headed a minute down the road to the base of Little Bell Mountain, the second of the threesome.
Trailhead: Apple Valley, corner of Sylvan and Roanoke Roads.