The West Ridge

Approach

From the parking area, start walking up the primitive road past the locked gate. After about a half mile, you will reach some old corrals. Just past the corrals, the road turns right. We missed this turnoff on the ascent, and ended up in a wash. The turnoff is easy to miss. If you can stay on the road, keep walking on it as it heads up some small hills. The road heads for Hill 4288. Just past the hill, you will leave the road and start heading cross-country towards Mount Tipton. It's about a mile from the parking area to Hill 4288.

Route Description

Leave the road on the southeast side of Hill 4288, and start heading cross-country up the slope towards Mount Tipton. You want to head for this drainage. Once in the drainage, you should see some cairns. The cairns continue more or less all the way to the top. Continue southeast up the drainage as it heads for Mount Tipton. It will lead you to a mile-high saddle west of Mount Tipton. Once at the saddle, you'll see a steep, forested slope on the left. Climb up the steep slope to reach the West Ridge. The brush is thick in places. Once you reach the West Ridge, your goal is to reach this saddle just north of Mount Tipton. Climb up to the saddle, then make the final push up the boulders to the summit of Mount Tipton, where you can enjoy the views.

Hiking Distance: About 8 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: 3,400'.

Images

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