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May 16, 2020 — Dutch John Mountain is an interesting-looking peak from the highway, and it ended up being a bit of steep fun with some great views. Pretty much any car can make it here (38.46384, -114.69701), but the last mile or so to the trailhead marked for this trip report is rougher and requires mid-clearance. From the end of the road, I headed through the trees directly for Dutch John Mountain. Take note of where you start, because the trees will make relocating your car on the descent difficult.
The tree dodging only lasts a short time, the live trees fading away into a burn scar consisting of some deadfall and a grassy open slope with really nice views of the peak ahead and cute hills behind. I stayed more or less within the drainage coming down from the west face of Dutch John Mountain. There was no social trail until the drainage became steep, and then I located a pretty heavily-eroded route, either by human or animal, I'm not sure. Most other hikers seem to take a more direct Class 3 route to the rim, but this involves some loose scree and an unpleasant slope. I ascended this way, and then descended on a Class 2 (only Class 2 because of the steepness) alternate route (blue line on the map). I recommend taking this route instead for both the ascent and descent.
Once on the ridge, I continued north to the summit, taking in the really nice 360 degree views.
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