CAVE MTN : This peak is the imposing hump-backed mountain just south of U.S. Highway 91 between Barstow and Baker. It was climbed last December 8th while enroute to the scheduled "Old Dad" trip by John Lotts, Ellen Siegal, Tom Ross, and I. As distances on the desert are deceiving, the peak appears to be a short haul of less than an hour. Actually, the ascent takes about an hour and a half at a leisurely pace. We ascended via a moderately steep chute with a few easy 3rd class pitches. This gully is the furthermost west of the main gullies that scour the north flank of the peak. The view from the summit is well worth the climb, and we feel the peak should be considered for DPS status. - Andy Smatko
EAGLE PEAK: On January 27th a desert peak-loving group of eight ascended this interesting peak east of Death Valley. The party consisted of Arky Erb, Sy Ossofsky, Barbara Lilley, Ellen Siegel, Tom Ross, one chap whose name slips me, and me. This sharply sculptured, deeply furrowed peak was ascended from the west after driving cross-country across a broad, rocky slope to the base. The climb was a truly stimulating one, involving high second to moderate third class scrambling in spots. - Andy Smatko
SPIRIT MTN.: On Saturday afternoon, April 16th, Harry Melts and I drove to the Newberry Mtns. from Davis Dam. We followed the main road six miles west from Davis Dam, then went north about five miles on a gravel road until it turned to the west toward Christmas Pass. We camped here in an area covered with large granite rock similar to those at Joshua Tree National Monument. Spirit Mtn., (5639'), the high point of the Newberry Mts., was just northwest of our campsite.
The following morning we drove west to near the summit of Christmas Pass. We started up the southwest ridge, crossed to the west side contouring and gradually gaining altitude, until we reached a canyon with a very large and impressive dry waterfall. This obstruction caused us to backtrack to the last canyon we had previously crossed, and we headed up it to the south ridge of Spirit Mtn. We picked our way along the pinnacles of the broken ridge on one side or the other until we came to a difficult pitch. Harry decided to turn back. I went on and the going became easier. I soon climbed up the last few hundred feet to the summit, littered as usual by the USGS.
The descent was made nearly the same way except for staying on or near the ridge all the way back to the car. We left the Newberry Mts. by going west over Christmas Pass. - Arky Erb
COSO HOT SPRINGS: A scheduled Sierra Club trip into the Coso thermal areas inside the Naval Reservation took place April 21st under the leadership of Sparky Wilson. 58 people turned out to see the area. It was surprising to view the extant of thermal activity over such a large area! The colorful Devil's Kitchen had a multitude of fumaroles and bubbling water pools. Several miles further we visited an area of hot springs and steam vents around a once thriving bathing resort of Indians, called Coso Hot Springs. The group also visited an obsidian cliff in another part of the reservation where "Snowflake Black Obsidian" could be found. A truly fascinating place to visit! Permission to visit the area can be obtained from the Navy Security Officer in China Lake. A minimum of two cars are required to obtain a permit. - Harry Melts
