Little Berdoo Peak, Bernard Peak, Mount Inspiration, Ryan Mountain, Lost Horse Mountain
6 April 1991
By: David Eisenberg
Leaders: David Eisenberg, Minor White
This trip was originally scheduled to climb Snow and Kitching peaks. However, the
late heavy rainfall left the access road impassable and the peaks covered with
snow. We decided to offer a weekend in Joshua Tree National Monument as an
alternative. With a 9 am meeting at the Monument entrance, we were able to take
a leisurely morning drive out. The snow on Snow and Kitching was visible from
I-10, making us thankful for our decision not to climb them.
We parked our cars near the turnoff to Queen. We consolidated into the two four
wheel drive vehicles and took off down the Geology Tour Road towards the Bernard
and Berdoo trailheads. We were at the trailhead and ready to hike at 10:30.
We took a slight variation to the standard route. Rather than contour around
towards the wash, we headed slightly southwest down a gully to where it met the
wash. This was slightly longer - coming out about 200 yards south of the
standard route and ducks - but was much easier going. We first climbed Little
Berdoo, then Bernard.
We then headed for the Inspiration Pt trailhead. As we arrived at Keyes' View, we
saw a large flock of turkey vultures circling about apparently looking for
handouts or tired hikers. Minor took the lead to do this peak.
This was to have been it for the day, but Erich and Luella Fickle couldn't stay
over for Sunday. I now had 99 leads and we decided to try a night hike of Lost
Horse as we could think of many jokes we could make as we wandered around
looking for the peak. However, we found the trailhead was closed for parking at
sunset making this impossible. We then decided to do Ryan and pulled up just
before sunset at the trailhead.
Making sure we had our flashlights, we headed up the nice trail toward the
summit. There was the usual beautiful desert sunset. It was difficult to avoid
tripping as we enjoyed the spectacular colors. We arrived at the peak just as it
got totally dark for my 100th Lead! We took pictures and celebrated with
flashlights and treats. Our return made a snaking pattern of lights as we found
our way back to the trailhead.
We then headed for Jumbo Rocks Campground to continue the party with a campfire
and more treats.
Sunday morning, Minor found a note on his car from Aaron Penn who had come to
Joshua Tree with a group of photographers. They decided to join us for our hike
of Lost Horse.
We decided to climb the peak first and then explore the mining area. On the way
up, Minor took some time to explain the sex life of the Joshua tree and its
growth patterns. Our youngest hiker, David Peralta (age 6) was having a great
time on the hike, especially when he got a piggy back ride from another hiker.
His only problem on the hike was when we took a split break. He didn't quite
understand why he couldn't go with his mother!
As we returned to the trailhead, we found a large desert tortoise near the cars.
Wanting to give him plenty of room, we made a large circle. To our surprise, he
immediately headed right toward us and exhibited no fear whatsoever and allowed
us to pet him.
Hikers not mentioned above were Rosina Mueller, David Jensen, Georgina Burns, and
Paula Peterson on Saturday with Don Burrell, Nancy Peralta, Bruce Rice, Monica
Arman, Christine Sison, Lisa Batterton, and Joe Raemer joining us on Sunday.
