Conglomerate Mesa Hike

Conglomerate Mesa rises at the south end of the Inyo Mountains, near the famed mining ghost town of Cerro Gordo and just outside the west boundary of Death Valley National Park. The terrain is characterized by mixed piñon and juniper forest, sage brush, and the occasional Joshua tree thrown in for good measure. We'll be a bit early for the best wildflowers but there will be a few. Just to the south of Conglomerate Mesa is the Malpais Mesa Wilderness, one of the Wilderness areas created by the 1994 Desert Protection Act. Wilderness protection has eluded Conglomerate Mesa for some reason. Meanwhile, with gold prices spiking the presence of gold (in very low concentrations) in the Conglomerate area has speculators starting to cast an eye towards the place, setting the very early stage of the question: which is more appropriate, mineral exploration or Wilderness protection?

We'll meet at the Lone Pine inter-agency visitor center (1 mile south of town) at 8am. Expect to return to the meeting point by 5pm.

Please bring clothing appropriate for the day, solid footwear, and food/water for a full day hike.