Overview
Haiwee Ridge (aka Jurassic Peak) is the north/south ridge running just east the southern part of Haiwee Reservoir in the Coso Range east of the Southern Sierra about 10 miles south of the town of Olancha. This peak rises out of desert terrain high enough to support Joshua trees.
Haiwee Reservoir was once a meadow inhabited by pidgeons that the Piute Indians called "Haiwai" their word for "dove".
This is a fun half day class 2-3 scramble with outstanding views of the southern Sierra scarp especially
Olancha Peak and also Haiwee Reservoir below.
Getting There
Road to Haiwee Ridge From Olancha take Hwy. 395 south 2 miles and turn east on Cactus Flat Road.
The first 1.5 miles are paved the rest is dirt. Go 7.2 miles from Hwy 395 and take the right fork (main road) 2.4 miles to a smaller road going south. Turn right and go another 2.5 miles to a dirt track road heading west then south to the saddle (4,993') and park. Walk up .6 miles west to another saddle south of the ridge and hike a mile (with some scrambling) to the peak.
This is about 1,000' gain and less than 4 miles round trip.
2 wheel drive high clearance recomended but I found this last 2.5 mile section sketchy with sand in the high clearance van and decided to park about a mile back from the saddle and go straight up the steep east slope then south to the summit which was a fun route with 1,100 ' gain and less than 2 miles round trip.
Red Tape
Haiwee Ridge south This is Bureau of Land Management territory and there are no posted restrictions.
Haiwee Reservoir itself has been closed to the public as of 2005.
Camping
Haiwee Ridge north Steep east slope There are no campgrounds in the area but car camping shouldn't be a problem.
Current weather and 5 day forecast
Click here for the weather and forecast for Olancha
More on hiking desert peaks
Desert Summits by Andy Zdon is
the book on hiking desert mountains in California and Southern Nevada