This guide is based on a Sage article by Reinhold Janson. It combines Silver Mountain, Lakeview Peak, Apex Peak, Bpex Peak and Cpex Peak.

Topo Map: Keeler 15, Upper Centennial Flat 7½
Coordinates: Lat 36 14 29 Lon 117 50 16
Trip Stats: 10 mi. r.t., 3000'

DRIVING

From the intersection of Hwys 190 and 136, drive southeast on about 8 miles to a dirt road turnoff on the right, where Hwy 190 turns east. This road across Lower Centennial Flat generally bears west. 4WD is advised due to some deep sand and the washouts. After 2 miles, turn south and drive another 1.5+ miles to the road's end in a wash (5200'+). This is the wilderness boundary, which was at one time "red-staked."

HIKING

Hike southwest up any of the appealing ridges or gullies to reach Joshua Flat (6800'). The Flat is a favorite habitat of wild horses. Continue southwest 3 miles to the rocky northeast upper slopes of Silver Mtn, which are easily ascended. The Silver Mtn register has some entries; most climb from the west via Cactus Flat. Drop back to Joshua Flat and proceed 2 miles north to the southeast side of Apex, traversing some ups and downs en route. From atop Apex, descend north then northwest across a flat to the summit of Lakeview. This summit is aptly named for its breathtaking vista of Olancha Lake. Hike back south up to the ridge that connects Apex with Bpex to the east. From Bpex, drop north to Cpex. Then return down ridges or gullies east to Lower Centennial Flat.

NOTES

The Coso Range Wilderness was created by the California Desert Protection Act of 1994. It is situated at the southeast comer of Owens Valley, north and west of the China Lake Naval Weapons Center in Inyo County. This tranquil region is rarely visited. Encountering others in this wilderness is unusual. Apart from the mining roads that skirt its fringes, it remains largely untouched by man. Andy Smatko, Gordon MacLeod, and Barbara Lilley are among the few names in the summit registers.