Mopah Peak

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USGS Topo: Turtle Mountains, Savahia Peak

Elevation: 3,514 (Elevation Gain 1,900 ft)

Round Trip: 8 miles

Time: 8 hours

Difficulty: Hard

Description: The eastern portion of the Turtle Mountains is dominated by Mopah Peak. Standing 3,675 feet above sea level, the peak is the remnant of an ancient volcano, eroded to form a massive, reddish pinnacle. Mopah Peak is considered one of the most difficult climbs in the desert. The southwest approach is probably the best for climbing. The view from the peak is said to be among the most spectacular panoramas in the entire desert.

The route to this peak is regarded as a fun desert climb. The panorama from the summit includes the Colorado River to the east (near Lake Havasu), the Chemehuevi and Stepladder Mountains to the north, the Mopah Spring palm oasis to the west, and the 27-ft-higher summit of Umpah (or South Mopah) Peak to the south. To climb Umpah, descent to the saddle between the two peaks and then scramble up. Keep your eye out for chalcedony roses; many are found in this area.

Access: Go south on US 95 from Needles for 34.4 and turn west on the dirt road marked with a trail marker. Travel 2 3/4 miles west until you see a red road closure sign in the center of the road, turn to your right hereand proced to trailhead.from this point follow the map linked below or the writen instructions in the following Paragaph to the peak.

Walk along the south fork of the Y for about 1.1 mile to the ruins of a stone cabin. Here at the canyon mouth you are about 2.9 miles from Mopah Peak, which is southwest up the canyon wash. Walk about 1 1/2 miles and start heading south into another drainage on the east side of the peak. Follow the occasional rock "ducks" up the easy but sometimes loose slope to a little saddle on the southeast ridge of the peak. Drop over into a broad chute leading north toward the unseen summit. Follow the west side of this chute until it ends at a wall and an overhanging ledge. At this point, climb a short, pitch and follow easy ledges to an unmistakable long , narrow slot. Go up the slot, left up a short pitch, then over to a saddle and an easy scramble to the summit.

Link to Trail Map