Eddy County High Point Trip Report

Date: May 31, 2002
Author: Michael Schwartz

See posted trip reports for directions and route descriptions. High clearance and/or 4WD allows closer approach and saves at least 3 miles of road walking. Our recommended choice is to walk west on the 4WD road from the junction just northwest of the word "Camp" on the topo. Go a little more than 0.2 mile, then strike southwest, and eventually turn south-southwest, then turn due west, to get out onto the 6880-foot bump/thumb that is almost due east of the saddle north of the highpoint. Cross the drainage, climb to the saddle, then work the ridge south to the highpoint as best described by John Mitchler. Cairn is still at the summit, but in a senior moment, I forgot to look for the ledger.

The route used by Mitchler, et al, from the end of the 4WD drive road west of the junction then following the canyon drainage south and west to just below the summit ridge saddle, also looked appealing, and does offer some shade. We did this hike on a 100+ degree day, and became very dehydrated on the 800-foot uphill hike on the return. Take twice as much liquid as you think you need, or better yet, do the hike in cool weather. We also ignored recommendations to wear gaiters or trousers, and regretted it.