OverviewTin Mountain (Elevation 8,953') at the northern end of the Cottonwood Mountains, which are part of the Panamint Range. Tin Mountain is the highpoint of the Cottonwood Mountains and is a rugged limestone peak.
This peak is not climbed by many people. When we signed the summit register, it was only half full and went back to 1980.
The easiest route starts from along Racetrack Road at 4,800 feet elevation and then follow the ridges east toward the peak. The hike is approximately 3.5 miles each way (7 miles round-trip), with an elevation gain of 4,200 feet. The easiest route involves loose gravel and rock scrambling.
Getting ThereFrom Ubehebe Crater at the North end of Death Valley National Park, take the Racetrack Road south for 10.5 miles to a spot at elevation 4,800 feet. Park here along the side of the road.
Red TapePermits are not required for the hike. Make sure that you park on the graded portion of the road because travel off roads in prohibited.
There is a $10 fee to enter Death Valley National Park.
The Racetrack Road is a rough wash-board road that is more suitable for high-clearance vehicles than low-slung autos.
For more information on Death Valley National Park, here's a link to the official site:
Death Valley National Park Site
When To ClimbThe best time to climb Tin Mountain is between late October and late March. It's very hot in Death Valley in the summer.
CampingMesquite Spring is the closed developed campsite and it's open all year. Mesquite Spring is located at 1,800 feet 3 miles from Scotty's Castle, Mesquite Spring has 30 sites with water, tables, fireplaces, flush toilets, and a dump station. The fee is $10 a night.
For legal backcountry camping, you would need go another 18 miles down Racetrack road to Homestake campground, which is 3 miles past the Racetrack. You could also take a left at Teakettle Junction (9 miles past the parking spot for the hike to Tin Mountain) and head toward Hidden Valley and find a suitable spot for backcountry camping. Remember, the Racetrack Road and the road to Hidden Valley can be pretty rough and might even require 4WD at times.
Mountain ConditionsThe Park Service puts out a morning report with weather and road conditions. Here's a link to it:
Death Valley Morning Report.
External Links Images
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Death Valley
