Pahrump - Stewart - Smith - Brown
Pyramid - Panamint Butte
Private trip: 11/7/92 - 11/16/92
Mark Adrian, (author), Russell Glavis, Suzanne Booker
11/7/92 - Edgar/Mitchell (3.6 & 3.7)
DRIVE/ROUTE B&C : The 2.9 mile spur road that is 0.3 miles W of the cattle guard is now gated and LOCKED about 0.1 miles after it leaves the pavement. The gate has an AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY sign on it. We spoke with the P.M. Rec. Area Supervisor. He told us that due to numerous spelunking injuries in the Winding Stair Caves and wanton campfires, his superiors directed him to install this gate. He said it has been there for at least one (1) year. After negotiating with him, he gave us the gate's key the night before, under the conditions we didn't start any campfires. Additionally, he mentioned, in the future, there would be a $2.00 per day per vehicle use charge. But, due to the confusion(s), he didn't charge us. He also recommended writing ahead to coordinate access to the road and trailhead.
Department of Parks and Recreation
Providence Mountains SRA
P.O. Box 1
Essex CA 92332-001
Attn : Supervising Ranger
We never did see the Guide's T-junction at 2.4 miles. The road is still HIGH clearance.
CLIMB ROUTE B (Edgar) / C (Mitchell): Russell Glavis, Suzanne Booker, and myself, did these peaks as a day hike. Route B went well to Edgar. The ridge traverse was more demanding than it looked from Edgar, yet the final push up Mitchell was relatively easy. Descending, we got off Route C and ended up picking our way down a complex system of ledges, finally dropping into a rocky chute and then into the wash which led to our trucks, arriving near dusk.
When I returned the gate's key, I had another long talk with (Roger) the Superintendent. I got the impression that funding for the P.M. Rec. Area was being reduced. He also mentioned a 'wild idea' about constructing a trail to Edgar. He didn't know where the name Edgar originated, but mentioned that the peaks had gained about 200'+ feet from the 1930's maps. We camped that night in a flat wash about a mile into the E side drive in for Providence Pt, just S of the power line road. Sunday, Russell and Suzanne went on to do Old Woman, then Granite #1 on Monday, while I continued on solo.
11/8/92- Providence Point (proposed DPS peak)
DRIVE : I followed Dale Van Dalsem's guide from Sage 219. The drive in is fair-to-good dirt except for some deep sand the last 0.5 (or so) miles. Dale's mileage's and landmarks are accurate with the addition that there are two large cylindrical water tanks and a seemingly functioning windmill at road's end. Also, be aware of lethargic, large-horned cattle on this road.
CLIMB/E SIDE: The summit is not visible from the parking area. The (Dale's) route goes easy - it's a basic ridge run with lots of cholla (I fell hand first into one - OUCH!). The peak is enjoyable and there was a running stream at the base of the ridge N of point 1504. It's fairly flat on top, offering good views all around. In my opinion, Providence Point crowds the Granite/Edgar/Mitchell group, and it 'felt' like I was rehiking nearby Granite #1. You'll need the Van Winkle Spring and Fountain Peak 7.5 quads for this one. The BM is named Providence. I left at 8:30 P.M. and returned at 1:05 P.M. with an hour (or so) at the top. STATS (eat.) 4.5 miles, 2700', 5 hours. Canister and register are in good condition as there hasn't been a lot of traffic on this peak.
11/9/92 - Clark Mountain (3.3)
DRIVE : At the electrical substation, (1.6 of the 1.8 miles), there is a fork ("just past an electrical substation") with a left hand (SW) turn that I mistakenly took, thinking my mileage was marginally off - although, I was hesitant here since the Guide's mileage's are usually accurate. Anyway, after 30 minutes of 'exploring', I returned to the substation and continued the additional 0.2 miles to what I would call a 'T Intersection' rather than 'fork' - this was the correct place to be. Additionally, to further clarify, the Guide's 'Go Left' directive might be reinforced with a NW qualifier, since the earlier and erroneous turn goes in a SW direction. The developed campground here is pleasant and a cache of firewood warmed me as I ate dinner there.
CLIMB: The route goes well and the Cl3 notch (not ducked, yet) is easy, although, I lowered my daypack separately on the Cl3 descent.