Whale Peak is one of the most popular and highly visited mountaintops in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. At 5,335', the peak sits much higher than the endless bajadas below.
With this relatively lofty elevation comes two things not commonly seen in the Colorado Desert: woodlands and snow. Along with being one of the high points of the region, Whale Peak supports an expansive woodland of pinyon pines and California juniper, which is frequently interspersed with a mixture of chaparral plants, cholla cactus, and a variety of other plants more commonly found in the Mojave Desert at locales like Joshua Tree National Park. More information here. Hiking route details and a map here (Sierra Club). Pictures including a topo map here.
On May 30, 1961 I did a nine mile round trip hike to the top of 5,330' Whale Peak in the Vallecito Mountains, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
I drove to Indian Writings in Little Blair Valley and then hiked cross-country up a wash to top of Whale Peak. 2 hours up (4.5 miles), 1.5 hours down.
