Fairview Mountain

[tekewin]

Fairview Mountain (4,337') is a popular rock climbing area with dozens of sport and trad routes. My main goal was Fairview Mountain itself, but I hauled rock climbing gear in the truck in case I found a route I thought I could top rope. I drove through Apple Valley, following dirt roads north from Cahuilla Road (Open Street Maps named it Mountain View Lane). The dirt roads were in good shape. Right away, I met a friendly gopher snake. Leaving it be, I followed the trail that went all the way to the top, though many side trails branched out to the rocks. The formations were vertical and wildly interesting. Just below the summit, I met a red diamond rattler just off the trail (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xOMUm3T8csI), who politely informed me I was too close. Red diamonds are my favorite and she was a beauty. Eight feet was about her radius of concern. If I got closer, the sprinklers turned on. Outside that range, the sprinklers turned off. The encounter slowed my roll a bit as I completed the ascent. I went to the high point first, a class 2 affair about 90' from the benchmark. Then, I went to the benchmark and searched for a register without luck. On the return, I looked for sport routes I thought I could handle. The only one I liked was a mile from the truck and I wasn't sure I could anchor a rope behind it. When I got back, I settled for some bouldering near where I parked. The area reminded me of Joshua Tree. It was a short, but fun day.








What a cutie








High point from the benchmark

[Girl Hiker]

Wow! What a beautiful snake. Looks like a fun day out there. I love the rocks.