Mile High Mountain

Living up to its name, this loop leads to 5320 ft high Mile High Mountain from nearly sea level with an average grade of 7.5 degrees. A short dip just before Mile High Mountain ensures you put in the full mile of climbing. The views of the Salton Sea and the Coachella and Imperial valleys from the top are impressive.Good route finding skills are essential. Don't embark on this route alone. No one is out here and it might be weeks or months before you are found. The return through Rattlesnake Canyon presents some difficulties, most of which can be avoided by steep scrambles part way up the side of the canyon. The dryfall at 33.347860, -116.200705 is very difficult and time consuming to get around. Experienced climbers will easily find the short direct way down through a corkscrew shaped indentation without needing a rope and can guide other adults without experience. But if no one in your group has climbing experience it may be better to make the trip an out and back instead of a loop.