Russell Peak

Russell Peak and its neighbor Backus Peak are majestic peaks that are impossible to miss as you travel north on Highway 14 from Mojave. The peak was named in honor of Bill T. Russell and added to the HPS list in 1999. A Triple list finisher (HPS, DPS and SPS), he chaired all three sections and the Leadership Training Committee. He co-authored the Leaders Reference Book, authored the Navigation chapter, and instituted the Navigation Noodle. For years, he conducted classes, led instructional leadership outings, and served as LTC snow climbing chair, rock climbing instructor, and safety examiner. He had an exceptional reputation for leading safe, well-planned and superbly navigated, successful trips and this peak rightly honors him.

Route 1 starts on road near Walker Well, then weaves through a Joshua Tree forest to ascend a steep ridge to summit views of the Sierras, the high desert, and Indian Wells Valley. One can then descend quickly and enjoyably on a great scree slope. It is often combined with Backus by climbing Backus and following the slow-going ridge to Russell, then descending on the scree slope with a short car shuttle.