North of Delta on highway 6, go west on highway 174 (Brush Highway). Just past the last power plant is a signed turn for Desert Mountain. Take this wide graded gravel road north until you are no longer in the flat lands. The first uplift of rocks to the right will be "Prospect Rock". A small dirt road traverses all the way around the mountain.
For the loop hike, continue toward Desert Mountain Pass. Look for the wide valley to the east shown on the map. The road into the valley doesn't start until you nearly pass by the valley. Go up this high clearance road until you reach a good spot for a loop trip.
This three summit traverse is an enjoyable loop trip in an area popular with local Delta residents. Winter is the best time when snow makes the terrain look more rugged than it really is. Peak 6022 "The Minaret" looks like a real challenge as you approach with it's sharp summit and nearby rock tower looking like the minaret on a mosque. After finishing the loop, a bonus peak to the south "Prospect Rock" can be climbed.
The Steeple, The Minaret, The Bell Tower, Prospect Rock
Distance: Four mile loop with prospect rock under a half mile
Elevation Gain: 1,500ish feet for loop, 600 for prospect rock
Summit Elevations: Arount 6,000 feet
Access rating: Level 2
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Access:
Route:
The Steeple will be directly in front of you and quite obvious. Hike the road and cross country to the summit. Easy. Now traverse on the ridge south to the base of The Minaret rock tower. A nice game trail traverses around the east side. Once on the other side, climb the eastern slopes up to the summit rocks. The final 10 feet requires a few class 5 moves but there isn't much exposure. Now go back north on the ridge between the summit and the rock tower. Drop down an easy draw to the road between The Minaret and The Bell Tower. Do a rising traverse to the summit of The Bell Tower. Keep an eye out from The Minaret of the false summits on the ridge northeast of The Bell Tower.
Desert
Desert East
The Steeple
The Minaret
car
Desert
The Bell Tower
Desert East
6013
Panoramic to the west from The Minaret
Panoramic to the north from The Bell Tower
The Bell Tower from ridgeline betweeen The Steeple and The Minaret
Top
The Bell Tower from The Steeple
Coming down the north face of The Bell Tower, looking back
The Minaret from The Bell Tower
Peak 6013 from The Steeple area
Upper East face of The Minaret
The Minaret from The Steeple
The Minaret
Traversing over to The Minaret
The Steeple
Prospect Rock from main road
Prospect Rock:
It could be climbed from any number of ways. There is some amazing granite areas one could enjoy on this little peak. The south face is bound to be snow free but the north access probably has a more ascetic route.
The Steeple
The Bell Tower
The Minaret
Road not on maps
Summit rocks
car
Area on Prospect Rocks