Ryan Mountain, Lost Horse Mountain, Mount Inspiration

16 January 1999

By: Ruth Dobos

Leaders: Frank & Ruth Lee Dobos

On Saturday January 16, 1999 at 7:00 AM we met part of our group at Pomona rideshare point. The trip down to Joshua Tree NP was fast due to little traffic, where we met the rest of our group making us thirteen in number.

The drive to Ryan Mountain was beautiful with the wondrous rocks and Joshua Trees with just a few rock climbers out. The day was perfect for hiking, slightly overcast which kept the weather at a comfortable temperature.

Ryan Mountain trail head is very visible to those not familiar with it, as is the trail to the summit. The peak has a great 360° view of the National Park. We spent some time on top marveling at the view and studying the relatively new small volcanic bump called Malapai Hill on the topo map.

Down from the peak, we ate our lunch and drove over to the Lost Horse trail head. On the way up to the peak we stopped at the inactive Lost Horse Mine. This area is now fenced in for safety but it is still interesting to look at the rusty ten stamp mill. We found no gold. Once upon a time we were able to have lunch sitting on the mill when we hiked, but times do change. The peak is a short distance on an old road from the mine and up on a short but steep use trail. Again there is a great view of the N. M.

Off again on the road to Keys View, so named because of the terrific view to the West. The peak is climbed by trail off to the right from the parking area. There was some rock scrambling while getting to the peak as the sun was setting over the San Jacinto massif. The summit was nothing more than spectacular and needless to say those of us with cameras took many pictures.

The trip was led by Frank and Ruth Lee Dobos, participants were our dear friend Diane Dunbar, Susanne Weil, Janet Damen, Peter Glover, Theresa Morales, David Hofferman, Cheryl Ross, Joleen Mathews, Kim Latchis, Robert True, and Janet Storm.

Some of us stopped for dinner at the only restaurant we consider eating at in Yucca Valley, a Mexican restaurant called "Edchada." The hike was good, the food was good just like the hike.