ARGUMENT AGAINST DELETING MATURANGO:
Maturango via Bendire Canyon is one of our better peaks, a 4000', 9 mi. r.t., 7-8 hr hike up an attractive canyon to a peak with good views. Both Argus and Maturango are inside the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, Argus by 1.4 mi and Maturango by 3.2 mi. The easiest climbing routes for both peaks, Argus via Crow Canyon and Maturango via Bendire Canyon, are almost entirely within the Weapons Center. However, there are no signs, fences, or any other indication of a restricted area on the ground, on any of the eastern approaches to Argus and Maturango. The California trespass law, Section 602(k), reportedly requires ALL of the following to be in violation: The land must be fenced AND signed AND one must fail to leave the property on request.
It makes no sense to eliminate Maturango without eliminating Argus from our list. Also, we should then delete Avawatz: the route from the mine road passes through a corner of Ft Irwin; fully half the route from Sheep Creek Spring passes through Ft Irwin.
When and if we encounter signs & fences in Bendire Canyon, we should consider deleting it from the list; in the meantime, let's leave it on! -Dale
Argument against the deletion of Navajo Mtn from the DPS list.
The arguements presented to the Mountaineering Committee for deletion were four: The peak was too long a drive (630 miles + another 6 miles for 4 WD, by our peak guide), The peak was a drive-up for 4WD vehicles, There were no views, That the Navajo Nation denied access to the peak.
I would point out that this peak has been voted on at least twice before and it remains on the list. It is a significant peak, visible from much of the Southwest. The peak can sometimes, but not always, be done as a driveup and would most likely be done in that manner by people interested in testing their vehicle and not their hiking/climbing skill. Many like myself do not have a 4WD and I have enjoyed hiking the 12 mile RT an 3 occasions.
I do not think that any DPS or private group has been turned back or denied access to any part of the peak by the Navajos. The approach road and the 4WD road are not posted against trespass or private property and there is electronic equipment on top which is maintained by private vehicle. I have asked at the Navajo Mtn Trading Post, lying at the foot of the Mtn on the Reservation, and have been told that it is OK tO climb the peak.
The views in route are interesting and unique, the route lies in large part through a nice forest and one can see Monument Valley in the distance if you are walking and have time to observe. By walking an easy additional 1/2 mile one sees great views of Rainbow Natural Bridge and other natural bridges, Lake Powell and Glen Canyon.
As for distance driven, Ruby Dome is longer (750 miles total one way) for a shorter (8 mile RT hike). Navajo Mtn. is not a long drive for one peak only but it goes nicely with Mt Humphreys and could be combined in a 5 day or one week trip (as are the northern Nevada Pks) with several Southern Nevada and Utah peaks.
I urge continued retention of this peak on the DPS list.
Ron Jones, DPS Mountaineering Committee