Telegraph Pass Trailhead — Attraction in Fortuna Foothills

It is very easy to follow trail with high traffic. I've seen tons of lizards and rattlesnakes. Take a leaf from the elephant trunk bush and suck on it to freshen up your mouth. This hike is very steep. If you feel like you're going to die, just stop for a breather and go again. One foot in front of the other and don't look up. Many hikers use this for strength training for other difficult hikes. I recommend taking water if you haven't done this hike before. It ls difficult to say how long it will take. It just depends on your fitness and how many selfies you take. Dog friendly, but please clean up after your fur babies. Many serious hikers do this two to four times a week. I like to go on Tuesday nights. But, Saturday or Sunday is fun because there will be 100 cars in the parking lot, and I can count all the hikers I can pass on the way to the top. I've always timed my hikes using Strava. Coming down can be hard on ankles, shoes, and knees. I do not recommend carrying a heavy pack even if you are training because an injury is more likely with the extra weight. Remember, hikers going up have the right of way. You can lend motivating words as you pass hikers on your way down Telegraph Pass. There are two porta johns at the base of the climb and a...

About 2.5 to 3 hrs round trip to the towers. Loose rocks and gravel for the flatter first portion and a crumbly cement utility road going up the mountain. Most of the elevation gain is on the cement at about a 20% grade. People were taking portions of the downhill walking backwards to relieve their knees.

It was perfect weather to hike here on a late January afternoon. I saw dozens of other hikers on my way up and down - from little kids and their parents to seniors. I stopped at the bench and logbook at the first summit, but the trail continues onward a ways through the towers if you are so inclined. I wanted a challenging hike with a rewarding view at the top, which...

That was an amazing hike. I took the route that goes straight through the washes of the mountains (wear hiking boots or shoes with ankle support) the terrain is uneven. I started the hike at about 4:45am and made it to the top in 56min and with a little time to spare before the sunrise. The last bit of the hike (when you hit asphalt) is brutally steep. If you're not in shape, have knees problems, or problems with ankles, I would advise you not to go up. Bring lots of water and for the love of god, do NOT take your dogs on this hike during this time. The ground is far too hot for their paws (burnt pads)and they will...