Quartz Peak Trailhead

Climb a brutally steep desert ridge and finish by scrambling onto a summit capped with brilliant white quartz.

The trail is described as Quartz Peak Trail extremely steep and says it is for experienced, well-conditioned hikers. The maintained trail does not reach the summit. The final quarter mile crosses boulder and talus slopes.

THE EXPERIENCE

Climb from Rainbow Valley onto the spine of the Sierra Estrella, following an increasingly steep trail toward the pale summit above. When the maintained route gives up, negotiate the final boulder-and-talus scramble and put your boots beside the massive white quartz outcrop on Quartz Peak. Reach the white summit.

ONCE YOU’RE THERE

Park at the signed Quartz Peak Trailhead after the high-clearance dirt-road approach. Follow the closed four-wheel-drive track for roughly a quarter mile, watching for the narrow trail climbing the ridge on your left. Continue up the steep ridge route. Near the top the defined trail ends; the final approximately quarter mile requires careful travel over boulders and talus to the white quartz summit. Descend the same route.

GOOD TO KNOW

The summit is capped by a conspicuous outcrop of white quartz. There is a vault toilet but no drinking water at the remote trailhead. Cell service may be unreliable.

FEES & ACCESS

No mandatory entrance, parking, access, permit, reservation, or similar fee is required to complete this Adventure as routed.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Recommended season is November through April.