You will need to dust off your peak-bagging boots for the trek up the 3,137-foot Duct Peak. This small peak is in the eastern part of Joshua Tree in what I call the "Empty Quarter" of the park. This section of the park is completely undeveloped, and the peak is rarely climbed. It is a wild and trailless area, just the way I like it.
I picked this peak because it looked like it would have great views of the vast Pinto Basin to the south, plus it looked like a relatively easy hike from the highway. It turned out only one of those things was true. The peak has fantastic views but was more adventurous and rocky than expected. Getting to the top requires scrambling up and down rocks most of the way to the summit. The final climb is the most difficult. The toughness of the hike isn't the only surprise in store for you if you head up there.
On the way to the peak, I stumbled upon a small campsite. It didn’t look very old, but was obviously long-abandoned. The camp consists of a few bottles and cans, the head of a rake, and a storage structure. Someone camped here a few times, but I'm not sure why. I couldn't see any good reason for the spot other than the rock outcrop. It's an odd little place.
After the campsite, I continued toward the peak. I hiked into the little valley behind the campsite and followed it to its end. Next, I climbed onto jagged granite ridges and scrambled along rocky slopes to the peak.
On a clear day, Duct Peak has excellent views of the vast Pinto Basin to the south and in all directions. The formidable Coxcombs are visible off to the southeast, the Eagle Mountains to the south, Mt. San Jacinto to the southwest, and Mt. San Gorgonio to the west. Ryan, Quail, and Queen Mountains are minor summits in between the more massive San Jacinto and San Gorgonio. They can be hard to spot.
On the way up to the peak, I saw something small and blue down off to the east in the wash. It was too far away to see what it was, but it warranted investigation. After reaching the peak, I climbed down the slopes and headed toward it.
It turned out to be an old Ford truck half-buried in a sandy wash. Someone must have taken it for a joy ride a long time ago. All roads are closed out here; we are well into the wilderness.
After checking out the truck, I walked back to the trailhead. This is great country and lots of fun to hike around in.
