Mastodon Peak - 4.2.2015
A photo of our GPS track for this hike... a 2.7 mile loop hike that gained 606 feet of elevation.
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We parked at Cottonwood Spring... a short drive from the Cottonwood Visitor Center (aka the south entrance of Joshua Tree National Park).
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The primary trail from the Cottonwood Spring parking area is the Lost Palms Oasis Trail... which we will hike for .7 miles before connecting with the Mastodon Peak Loop Trail.
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There was no water at Cottonwood Spring... but there were some Cottonwood trees and palms.
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Denali Girl on the trail... with the Cottonwood Mountains behind.
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Lots of Ocotillo cactus.
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Cholla cactus.
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After hiking .7 miles it is time to leave the Lost Palms Oasis trail and head for Mastodon Peak.
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Denali Girl can see Mastodon Peak on the right.
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Lots of interesting rock formations on this hike.
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Getting close to Mastodon Peak.
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If you want to reach the summit, you will need to use both your hands and your feet.
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Protect those nails.
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A nice perch very near the summit... looking at the Cottonwood Mountains.
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The actual summit requires one exposed move.
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Hedgehog cactus.
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The Mastodon Mine is located near the peak... along the trail just beyond the peak.
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Continuing along the loop trail.
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Hiking along a wash on our way back to the car.
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The loop trail is well signed.
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