NOPAH PEAK	April 4, 1981	Jerry Keating
Nopah (6,394') was climbed by Norm Rohn, Walt Whisman and Jerry Keating in 2 1/4 hours via a route that iS mentioned occasionally in the Summit register but that is not described in The Desert Sage for at least the past 13 years. Most DPS climbs Start at about 2200', 4 1/2 miles west of the peak from a north-South dirt road in the Chicago Valley. This approach requires miles of relatively flat walking and takes nearly four hours. The Shorter route is from about 3400' on a jeep road that ends in a major canyon immediately Southwest of the peak. It is Class 1 and goes northward to join the longer route at about 5100' on Nopah's broad Southwest ridge. To reach the jeep road, continue South from the regular Starting point until you mee the jeep road taking off at a 90 degree angle. Another approach is as follows (See Lake Mead and Vicinity insert on the ACSC San Bernardino County map): Leave California 178 at the Signed Chicago Valley turnoff. Proceed SSW on the main graded road 2.3 mi1es, passing a settlement. Turn left at the junction, then immediately thereafter make a sharp left turn onto a lower-quality road. Proceed l.l mi.across the Chicago Valley to the N-S road mentioned in the other approach. Turn left (N) and go .3 mile, then turn right (E) onto the jeep road, which goes up a massive fan and into a canyon. The jeep road is quite rocky, and a high-clearance vehicle is needed to travel its 4.3-mile length.
ANZA BORREGO EXPLORATORY	Feb. 14-15, 1981	Gordon MacLeod Barbara Lilley
Fifteen explorers met in the Fish Creek Wash area of Anza Borrego Desert State Park the Fish Creek campground has been recently relocated a couple miles further up the wash), then drive about 10 miles southeast along the dusty road which parallels the narrow gauge railroad leading from the gypsum mine to Plaster City. From here (as recommended by Wes Shelberg, the two high points of the Fish Creek Mountains were climbed. First :Eagle VABM" was ascended along a ridge approaching from the east, then a down and up traverse put them on the summit of "Eagle VABM" (2371'), high point of the range. From here they descended a spectacular canyon, which involved one waterfall detour and some tedious bouldering at the bottom. One participant suffered an injured hand when his footing gave way, requiring numerous stitches in the hospital emergency room at Brawley that night. The remaining hikers enjoyed a balmy evening around the campfire and Sunday morning returned to Fish Creek Wash. Recent rains had made the sand firm and they drove up the wash and its north fork for several miles. While 2 sunbathed and fended off dirt bike riders, 12 climbed Peaks 2774' and 1564' in the southern Vallecitos Mountains. In addition to numerous fossil shells, six bighorn sheep were spotted. The weather was warm both days altho somewhat overcast Saturday morning. The roar of dirt bikes and dune buggies spilling over from the Vehicular Recreation Area at Ocotillo Wells was the only thing to mar the trip; perhaps they would be less numerous on a non-holiday weekend. LOST ON SHEEPHOLE MTN.: Cap with HPS emblem. If found, please contact Ron Andris, 1007 N. Hale Ave., Fullerton 92631. Phone: (714) 870-5206.

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