Get Out!
Nothing builds a love of the land like getting out in it. Each edition of Get Out! will feature a moderate hike for just that purpose – to get folks outside and share the wonders of our Eastern Sierra Public Lands.
Fall/Winter 2006-2007: Chocolate Mountain
A gentle winter’s stroll in the Piper Mountain Wilderness
The Land
It’s not always that politically imposed boundaries match ecological boundaries, but the Piper Mountain Wilderness seems to do just that. One of the northernmost Wilderness Areas preserved by the visionary California Desert Protection Act, the Piper Mountains divide the Deep Springs and Eureka Valley to create an ecological transition zone between the hot Mojave Desert to the south and the cold Great Basin Desert to the north. Formed mostly of light speckled granite capped by dark black basaltic lava, the 7,703’ mass of Chocolate Mountain resembles a scoop of chocolate chip ice cream topped with chocolate syrup dropped in the middle of the desert.
Critters and Plants
Enriched by the flora and fauna of two distinct biological communities, the Pipers contain the best of both worlds – from Mojave Desert species like the exalting Joshua Tree to the proletariat of the Great Basin, the aromatic Sagebrush. With a good mix of cacti, black-tailed jackrabbits, Utah junipers with their juniper titmice and a few furtive bighorn sheep, the Pipers do not disappoint.
Getting There
To reach the Pipers and the hike up Chocolate Mountain, head east about 35 miles from Big Pine along Highway 168 to the far side of Deep Springs Valley. At Gilbert Summit, turn right on a gentle dirt road heading south. You can either park here, just off the road, or travel about .3 miles to the informal trailhead marked by the welcoming Piper Mountains Wilderness sign.
Take a Hike
A moderate hike suited for grizzled desert rats to Sierran alpine aristocrats, a stroll up Chocolate Mountain with 1340’ of elevation gain spread out over 2 3⁄4 miles is a perfect for a winter’s day. From the trailhead, head south-southwest along an old, restoring route through gentle hills and up to the extensive plateau of Chocolate Mountain. Carry plenty of water and be ready for cold winds, and, as always, tell a friend where you’re going. Enjoy and don’t forget to post a report on the FOI trail forum on our website!
Extras:
Click here for a map for the hike to Chocolate Mountain.
Here is a photo album of a winter hike to the summit. If you need any more information please contact any of us at the office.
Here is a panoramic photo made from the summit. Caution: This is a 40mb file!
This article was made possible by a generous grant from the Desert Legacy Fund of the Riverside Community Foundation.