Hiking Teutonia Peak In Mojave National Preserve

The 3.4 mile hike to Teutonia Peak passes through an area with the most dense concentration of Joshua Trees anywhere in the world. This 700 ft climb to the 5,755ft Teutonia Peak also provides hikers with breathtaking views of Kessler Peak and Cima Dome. If the scenic views, Joshua Trees, and volcanic domes don’t pique your interest, you can also take a side trail on this hike to explore the old Teutonia Mine.

Mojave National Preserve is a massive 1.6 million acre park. There is no gas or food available in the park, so make sure to plan ahead and come prepared. This is the desert, and the desert can be very harsh.

Getting There: Directions And GPS Track

The trailhead for Teutonia Peak is located within Mojave National Preserve on Cima Rd. Cima Rd can be accessed from the north on HWY 15 around 25 miles northeast of Baker, CA. You can also access this trailhead from the south on HWY 40 via Kelbaker Rd.
Teutonia Peak Trail address: Teutonia Peak Trail, Cima Rd, Nipton, CA 92364
Download GPX
See track on Strava

Hike Profile

Distance: 3.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Minimum Elevation: 5034 ft
Maximum Elevation: 5755 ft
Time: ~2 hours
Difficulty: (1/5)
Dog Friendly: Yes, in cooler weather
Permit Required: No
Parking: Free parking located along Cima Rd at the trailhead
Weather: This area is brutally hot in the summer, and can be very cold and windy in the winter. Make sure to come prepared.
Trail Condition: Lots of exposure and no shade. Smooth flat single track in the first mile followed by a rocky path of single track to the summit. The final summit block is a rocky outcrop that requires a class 3 scramble.
Cell Phone Reception: None

Do you have the appropriate gear for this hike? Don’t hike unprepared!
See my current hiking gear list.

Hike Map And Elevation Profile

Hike Description:

0.0 Miles- Starting at the trailhead on Cima Rd, you’ll see an interpretive sign with information on the Mojave NP area as well as a trailhead for Teutonia Peak. This is a very well marked trail, with sign posts at every junction.

The first mile of this hike is pretty level and doesn’t gain much elevation. The path is sandy and wide, allowing hikers to enjoy the population density of Joshua Trees. For those wondering why the Joshua Trees thrive here, the interpretive sign says:

Scientist agree that deep, sandy soils, elevations between 2000 and 6000 feet, sufficient rainfall, and absence of recent wildfire contribute to the sustainability of the site.

0.5 Miles- You’ll pass a dirt access road with a trail sign pointing you in the right direction. Continue straight ahead with Teutonia Peak off to your left.

1.0 Miles- You’ll see a service road that cuts through the main trail. Take a left hand turn here and head south if you want to explore the mines. Continue straight ahead and follow the signs to reach Teutonia Peak. The climbing will begin in earnest here as you reach a rocky outcrop. A series of switchbacks will take you up to a saddle just shy of the peak.

From the saddle you can look to the east for great views of Kessler Peak. This is another hike you can do in Mojave NP, although it’s not as popular or well marked as Teutonia.

As you continue on from the saddle you’ll see Cima Dome. This massive 70-acre volcanic dome is impressive to view in person. I didn’t believe my eyes at first when I glanced out and observed the extreme curvature of the landscape.

Continue on towards the rocky formations at the top of Teutonia Peak.

As you approach the end of the trail to Teutonia Peak you’ll realize that you’re not actually standing on the highest point. The reason for this is that a class 3 climb is required to stand on the actual summit block. I would highly advise you against attempting this without the proper experience and gear. The views are well worth the effort even without saying you stood on the proper summit.

Once you’ve enjoyed enough time at the summit (or just below), make your way back down and return to the trailhead on the same trail that you arrived. You can also explore the mines a bit if you passed them up on your ascent.