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TRIP
WRITEUPS OF NEWLY PROPOSED PEAKS |
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| DECEMBER 31, 1992 | PROVIDENCE POINT | DAVE JURASEVICH |
Following is a description of the DRIVE and CLIMB for the shorter west side route on Providence Point as suggested in the March 1992 Sage #218. This route, open to 2WD high-clearance vehicles, cuts off about 20 miles of driving (if driving from LA) and has about 400 feet less elevation gain on the climb than the east side route. The total hiking mileage is about the same for each route. It is a Class I hike from beginning to end. From the summit of Providence Point you can see at least 16 other DPS peaks as well as a great view of the Kelso Dunes. Views of nearby Edgar and Mitchell peaks to the north are very impressive. Providence Point looks like a great peak to add to the list and will get my vote.
According to entries in the register, this peak has been climbed from the Providence Mine and Bighorn Mine to the east, Foshay Pass to the north (by far the hardest route) and Arroweed Spring to the southwest.
DRIVE: Exit I-40 at Kelbaker Road (about 28 miles E of Ludlow, CA). Drive 7.8 miles N on the paved Kelbaker Road to Granite Pass, which has a microwave relay station off the E side of the road. Continue 4.1 miles N on the Kelbaker Road to a dirt road turnoff on your right, following it E for 3+ miles to its end at 1350 meters (4430 feet) elevation. Park.
CLIMB: Head to obvious saddle (shown on 1985 Van Winkle Siring, CA 7.5' topo as 1659T) at 1050 bearing, following a wash upward from the parking spot until brush forces you to gain higher ground on adjacent ridges. From saddle bead NE, staying well below the rocky ridgeline on your left and reaching a broad saddle SE of point 1956T in about 1 mile. From this saddle continue NE across pine forested country and along the left side of a prominent pinnacle directly ahead of you. The summit is an easy walk 0.2 miles to the northeast.
ROUND TRIP STATS: 2300 feet elevation gain, 5 miles, 4 hours
