Lunch Break on Desert Peak – Newfoundland Range

I never complain when work drags me out to the Newfoundland Range. Despite the long commute, it never disappoints. On my last trip of the season, I figured I’d better snag the Desert Peak summit in case it was a while before I made it out there again. I had a long lunch break and did my best to ‘run’ up the summit. With the Wasatch 100 in my recent past, my legs weren’t in prime condition. But the climb is relatively short, and a long lunch break was all that was needed.

You can climb Desert Peak from just about any direction. The west side of the range seems to have better roads and perhaps slightly better access. But I was on the west side and wanted to check out the remains of the Dells Canyon mine (name?) anyhow. I dropped the truck halfway up Dells Canyon but could have easily driven higher with limited effort. The mine works was impressive, with a large tram-works that is destined for a zip line. I climbed directly up (south) from the lower mine works in 3rd/4th class terrain to the spine of the range. The summit ridge had a moment of trickery and spice that kept things interesting. But overall, the climb was quick and seamless. The summit log showed a few visits over the past year, including a few friends who had beat me up there once again.

Definitely a desert gem. Just don’t do it on your lunch break – the summit views deserve time.

And take a second spare tire.