With unusually warm weather for December, I drove to Walker Pass Trailhead for the standard route to Morris Peak (HPS #109) and Mount Jenkins (HPS #73). The trailhead is off highway 178 near Ridgecrest. I was greeted with a sunrise filtered through the joshua trees. Most of the hike was along the PCT with half mile off trail diversions to reach the peaks. The trail was in great shape and steadily gained elevation as it wrapped like a belt around the midsections of the foothills. In the shady north slopes, frozen snow lingered in small patches. I had considered bringing spikes, but decided there wouldn't be enough for it to be a hazard. After four miles, I reached a saddle with Morris Peak where a clear use trail branched right. The use trail was well worn and steep, climbing about 500' in a half mile and ending at the summit. A nicely preserved benchmark had been set in a flat rock in 1926. The highest point had a reference mark pointing to the lower, official benchmark. Multiple registers were in a plastic container. I signed the most recent one that had visitors as recent as last week. Mount Jenkins had been visible as I approached and looked like a more serious endeavor. I took a break, then followed animal trails down the north ridge, making wide turns to avoid snow. At the saddle between Morris and Jenkins, I rejoined the PCT.
Morris Peak ahead
Mount Jenkins from Morris
I stayed on the PCT as it cut a path on the east side of Jenkins. From the east, Jenkins appeared as a line of broken cliffs with no clear line. From the start of the use trail, it was well marked with cairns. I remained a little nervous as the cliff bands grew closer. I was amazed the trail avoided serious exposure with a fun class 2+ scramble all the way. There were fine 360 views from the summit. Owens Peak (one of my favorites) rose up to the north and snow capped 14ers Langley and Whitney were clear. The jagged granite spine running below Owens was impressive. Although I didn't find a benchmark, there were multiple registers filled with familiar names. I took some aerial video, but a lot of the shots were washed out by the angle of the sun. No matter, I've grown to love the transition zone of the southern Sierra. I took a long break on Jenkins and had just the right amount of food and water. Once I got back to the PCT, I was on cruise control. There was more snow on the trail below Morris, but it was soft in the afternoon and no longer icy.
Plaque was mounted along the PCT a mile from the summit
The High Sierra is awesome and all, but I always feel intrigued by all the surrounding 'lower' peaks that are still so rugged and oak-adorned like this one.
