Silver Peak Trail | Mojave National Preserve

Silver Peak
in Mojave National Preserve

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Silver Peak Mojave

This 8.5-mile hike ascends 2,500 feet to summit a 6.365-foot peak in the small range of mountains in the southwestern corner of Mojave National Preserve. Silver Peak looks out across the Granite Mountains toward the Kelso Dunes, Cima Dome, and the peaks of the Providence Range – a worthy view of Mojave National Preserve to be sure. Nearby Granite Peak is the tallest mountain in the range (6,762 feet), but Silver Peak is an easier hike because there is a rough trail leading almost all the way to the summit. Those hiking to Granite Peak must leave the road to forge an off-trail cross-desert ascent through tough terrain (read Bob Burd’s report for more info on bagging this peak).

The trail to Silver Peak is unmarked, but easy to follow, if you pay attention to a few important directions. Just 1/4 mile from the trailhead, the trail/wash comes to a Y. The remains of a corral at the site of an old ranch can be seen up the left fork, luring you that way. Instead, take the right fork, which quickly reveals itself to be a jeep trail. After a short distance the road passes to the right the corral. Feel free to jump trail and explore the ruins, but return to the road afterward. There are footprints continuing up the wash, but this is the more circuitous route to Silver Peak. The wash passes through Cottonwood Springs, treating hikers to slower terrain and deceptive side-washes.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
The corral near the start of the trail

Stay on the road to the right of the corral, which is more direct and made of packed dirt instead of sand. There are a few turns in the road, but by and large it is a straight gradual uphill hike to the base of Silver Peak. Hike up the tire ruts and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
Looking back down the trail

At 2.5 miles, the road crosses through the mouth of a brief canyon between ridges on the south side of the peak. Here the trail becomes a bit tricky to follow. Referring to this section as a trail actually broadens the definition considerably. Stay observant and follow the footpath as it crosses from the right side of the canyon to the left. Pass through a stretch of high grasses and get a clear sense of how infrequently hikers visit Silver Peak.

A quarter-mile further, the trail comes back to center and begins a more serious ascent. 1500 feet remain to be climbed over the next 1.8 miles. Follow the cairns leading up a steep slope below the summit. Above, the line of the road can be seen crossing the mountain toward the east. March up the gravel slope and turn right, continuing up the road.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
Looking up at Silver Peak

The trail becomes easy to follow again, as it carves up the ridge past a few landings were tents could be setup (3.2 miles from the start). As the road progresses to the north, Pinyon pines replace the yucca and cacti of the lower desert. Enjoy the fine view of the Kelso Dunes, Cima Dome, and the Providence Range.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
Looking north over the Kelso Dunes

The trail switches back to the south and abruptly comes to and end, 0.15 miles and 250 feet below the summit. Turn right and take the worn path up the side of the mountain. Forge your way over and around rock outcroppings to the top of Silver Peak. At the summit, the trees give way to bolder piles and panoramic views. Have a look down at the jeep trail leading back to the trailhead and think of how far you’ve come.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
Looking back down on the trail

The faint path down to the top of the road is harder to follow in reverse, so do your best. Beyond that, the return hike is quick and downhill almost the entire way. This trail passes through the University of California Granite Mountains Nature Reserve, so stay on trail and be courteous not to disturb their outdoor classroom. No fee or permit is required to visit Silver Peak, so get out and enjoy.

Silver Peak Trail Granite Mountains Mojave
Returning down the trail

To get to the trailhead: From Kelso Depot, head south on Kelbaker Road. Drive 4.7 miles past Kelso Dunes Road and turn right onto an unmarked dirt road which heads straight across the desert for 1.6 miles to the trailhead. The road is passable for most vehicles. At the end of the road, turn left into the trailhead parking area. There is roadside camping at the trailhead and in a wash halfway up the dirt road.

Use the map below to create your own directions:

View Silver Peak GPS in a larger map
Or view California Desert Hikes in a larger map

Photos

These photos were taken on a windy day in May of 2010. Click to enlarge.

Nearby Trails

	Fountain Peak This 5-mile off trail trek summits a peak with commanding views over the Providence Mountains.
	New York Peak This 7 to 9-mile round trip hike summits the highest point of the New York Range in the northeast corner of the preserve.
	Kelso Dunes This 3-mile round trip hike climbs 470 feet to the highest point in this 45 square mile dune field.
	Teutonia Peak The 4-mile round trip hike crosses a Joshua tree forest to summit a short peak with a great view of Cima Dome.
	Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Trail This 1.5-mile loop takes visitors through a landscape of pocketed rocks. Ringbolts allow fun passage through narrow canyons.
	Lava Tube This short 0.6-mile hike drops below the surface into an old lava tube.
	Petroglyphs near Seventeen Mile Point This quarter-mile path visits ancient engravings in the volcanic rock at the western rim of the cinder fields just off Kelbaker Road.
	Amboy Crater This 3-mile round trip hike travels up and into this ‘Mojave National Preserve adjacent’ crater.
	Hikes in the California Desert Explore more trails in Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, and Mojave National Preserve.

Similar Trails

	Warren Peak in Joshua Tree National Park This 5.5-mile hike summits a peak with impressive views over the west side of Joshua Tree.
	Wildrose Peak in Death Valley National Park This 8.4-mile hike summits a 9,064-foot peak in the Panamint Mountains north of Telescope Peak.
	Mount Waterman in the Angeles National Forest The 5.5-mile hike gradually ascends 1300 feet, passing through a pine forest to reach the round summit of Mt. Waterman.
	Mount Baldy in the Angeles National Forest This 11.3-mile hike incorporates the Devil’s Backbone and the Baldy Bowl – Ski Hit Trail into one see-all loop.