Mount Inspiration

Mount Inspiration from Fan Overlook, phot by Steve Russell

Mount Inspiration, photo by Google Earth

Mount Inspiration, Photo by Google Earth.

Peak Name

Mount Inspiration

26E

Elevation

5560

feet

Status

active

Region

Little San Bernardino Mountains

Range

Joshua Tree Ranges

Nearby peaks

Location

33.93576,-116.19551

Description

As the area high point, Inspiration does in fact have an inspiring view, of Joshua Tree National Park to the north and the rugged and rarely visited southwest portions of the park and Palm Desert area to the south. It is definitely worth a visit, and the view from the Keys View parking area is almost as good as from the peak.

Route 1 starts from Keys View parking area and meanders along the top of the ridge on use trail to the peak.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1

Elevation Gain

700′

Navigation Difficulty

Easy

Distance

2 miles round trip cross-country

Estimated time

1 1/2 hours round trip

Route Rating

Class 1, easy

Leader Rating Required

“I”, normal conditions

Driving route

Take I-10 east past Banning to the intersection with SR 62.
Go north on SR 62 to the Park Road in the town of Joshua Tree with a sign “Joshua Tree National Park”. Turn right.
Drive 16 miles on this road to the intersection with the Keys View Road. Turn right.
Continue 5.6 miles farther to the Keys View parking lot at the end of the road. Park here.

Hiking route

From the parking area (5185′), hike up the ridge to the north, following a faint use trail to the first bump.
As you ascend, two other high points are visible to the west. The summit is behind the farthest of these. From the first summit, go west down into a saddle and, keeping to the right, go up past the rocky prominence on the second bump.
Continue up over the third summit and on to the main summit.

Route Notes

National Park Service entrance fee is required.

Printable Route