Teutonia Peak Trail

Teutonia Peak Trail is a short but moderately strenuous trek in the Mojave National Preserve. The first stretch is relatively flat as it crosses the gentle, sandy expanse of Cima Dome. This area boasts the densest concentration of Joshua trees in the world. Joshua trees are a species of yucca rather than tree, and they can grow up to an incredible 40 feet tall. This section of the Mojave Desert is also home to many species of lizards and birds, as well as the Blacktail jackrabbit. About a mile into the hike the Tutonia Peak Trail crosses a dirt road that leads to mines in both directions. The southern track leads to Teutonia Silver Mine, which was abandoned in 1906 after only 10 years of use. The entrances to all of the mines in this region, including Teutonia, have been sealed as a safety precaution. Soon after passing this intersection, the trail becomes much steeper, follows a series of switchbacks, and rapidly gains 750 feet. As the elevation increases, the surrounding habitat changes as well. Instead of Joshua trees, the rocky peak is home to pinyon and juniper trees, sagebrush, and prickly pear cacti. At the summit hikers are rewarded with spectacular, nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding Mojave Desert.