Four wheel drive vehicle were declared necesssry to reach within striking distance of this peak. What makes Pinnacate worthy of Desert Peak status? From the slides shown it is almost a laugh. Historical interest yes indeed - but is the Desert Peaks Section a historical segment of the Sierra Club? Artifacts yes but is the DPS particularly interested in these? Isn't the DPS a climbing group? If the answer to this question is no, then the word "Peaks" should be deleted from the label DPS. Next, the question arises - what is the limit to adding Mexican peaks? The Sonoran and Colorado Deserts extend for hundreds of miles south of the border and the entire Baja Peninsula is a desert area. I'm sure there are many spectacular mountain peaks in the Mexican Deserts, and if these were in the states within reasonable driving distance they would undoubtedly be added to our list. Why go to Mexico for more peaks? There are many peaks in California, Nevada, and Arizona which qualify as real desert "peaks". Why not add these? The hazard of travelling a few miles in Mexico is as great as travelling dozens of miles In the States. The mere climbing of a peak should not qualify it as a worthy desert peaks. Other factors should enter in the decision. I feel that Pinnacate Peak should be deleted from the DPS list for the reasons enumerated above. It is hardly a peak...It is far away..It is in Mexico... is difficult to reach....and lastly the hazards make it hardly worthwhile. I hope to attend the next meeting of the DPS and bring this matter up. Guess I've sounded off enough, but it does seem unjustified to place a dull mound like Pinnacate on our list."

- Andrew Smatko, M.D.

"An objection has been made to the addition of Pinacate Peak to our qualifying list. It is my belief that this Mexican peak is worthy of remaining on our list of quaiifying peaks (Since a picture is worth a thousand words, a few slides of the peak in question will be shown at the next meeting.) A few general observations will clarify my position. In regard to driving in Mexico, it has its hazards, yes. But so have our freeways, as I well know. The specific hazards of driving below the border are balanced by two factors: The skill and caution of those driving in the Mexican deserts and the exceedingly low traffic density when compared to that in the States. The driving route to Pinacate is not as bad as some believe. Paved roads are followed except for the last stretch to Hunters Camp. Last Thanksgiving this stretch was driven without insurmountable difficulty by two-wheel-drive vehicles. The region around and including Pinacate Peak is of a wilderness type not found any longer in California. Its innaccessibility is an asset! From the main paved road the peak can readily be reached in a two day return backpacks. It is certainly an easier backpack than many SPS qualifying peaks require. Several DPS qualifying peaks are further away than Pinacate, so what is the real motivation for removing Pinacate? Truly, only a person who has not visited this region first hand could possibly speak against it. Also, I must state the obvious: No pressures physical or mental are exerted by the DPS on its membership to climb any particular peak. So, if you don't like the peak, don't climb it! Several, groups of Desert Peakers have visited Pinacate and testified to its worthiness. None of those protesting the peak have been anywhere near it. A unanimous vote at the last DPS business meeting supported its inclusion on our qualifying list. One of the purposes of a list of qualifying peaks is to indicate to section members the location of worthwhile desert mountain regions to visit, and not as some may think to suggest the collection of qualifying peaks as glass beads on a string."

- Harry Melts

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