Topo and GPS tracks for today's 15 mi ~4000ft gain outing from the Mahogany Flat trailhead.

I had last attempted Telescope 7 years ago but was turned around by whiteout conditions near Arcane Meadow.

Telescope is the highest point in Death Valley and the 22nd most prominent peak in the continental US.

Spent the night at the Thorndike Campground and had to break out my emergency bivy out of my hiking bag as the temps got much colder than I was expecting. (Think it dipped to near freezing overnight)

7am start from the Mahogany Flat campground at 8k elevation.

Near the Telescope Peak trailhead (The gate to the left of the shot is the Rogers Peak service road- I'd be returning via that route). From the trailhead registry there were 2 parties ahead of me and I'd pass them both before reaching Arcane meadows.

Starting my 3000ft of elevation gain from 8k to 11k. The initial trail contoured the east slope of the ridge and caught the early morning sun.

The trail headed south and then west and soon Bennet Peak was the prominent landmark on the horizon.

Approaching Arcane Meadow and the point where I had abandoned my earlier effort on this trail. Much better visibility today :)

A cairn at the highpoint of Arcane Meadow The trail flipped to the west side of the ridge for the route past Bennet.

View of the Panamint Valley to the west on this side of the ridge.

Early view of Telescope Peak as the trail wound south. The trail would climb the backside of that ridge to the left.