2022-07-05, 08:34 AM
A recent viewer of one of my Telescope Peak videos by the name of Mark Acton responded with a comment containing a brief summary of his hikes up the peak dating back to the 1970's. I thought some of you might also enjoy his story and hope that it triggers your own wonderful memories of scaling the highest peak in Death Valley National Park.
Mark Acton - "Our first ascent to the top of Telescope Peak was February, 1972. We used 12 point salewa adjustable Crampons and a aluminum Ice axe. No need for rope. Very icy and windy on the final trek up to the summit. Steep slopes on both sides up the final leg. Then the proverbial signing of the climbers log on the summit. It was windy and cold. Our thermostat read minus -10 F with the wind chill factoring in. So cold that one of our polaroid cameras froze up the shutter mechanism. Great views of Death Valley Below. Subsequently through the years we climbed Telescope Peak three more times, twice in the winter and one in the spring. Back in those days the Wildrose Ranger station was still occupied, but closed during the heavy winter period. I remember also signing in at the Wildrose Station as a courtesy for the Ranger that we were heading up the road to hike up to Telescope Peak."
Here is the Summer Solstice Full Moon video that Mark Acton responded to:
Mark Acton - "Our first ascent to the top of Telescope Peak was February, 1972. We used 12 point salewa adjustable Crampons and a aluminum Ice axe. No need for rope. Very icy and windy on the final trek up to the summit. Steep slopes on both sides up the final leg. Then the proverbial signing of the climbers log on the summit. It was windy and cold. Our thermostat read minus -10 F with the wind chill factoring in. So cold that one of our polaroid cameras froze up the shutter mechanism. Great views of Death Valley Below. Subsequently through the years we climbed Telescope Peak three more times, twice in the winter and one in the spring. Back in those days the Wildrose Ranger station was still occupied, but closed during the heavy winter period. I remember also signing in at the Wildrose Station as a courtesy for the Ranger that we were heading up the road to hike up to Telescope Peak."
Here is the Summer Solstice Full Moon video that Mark Acton responded to:
Life begins in Death Valley