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12,961 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Arrow Peak

Arrow Peak is a 12,961 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope via Window Creek: 30 mi, 8,410 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Arrow Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,961 ft3,950 m
  • RouteSoutheast Slope via Window CreekClass 2
  • Distance30 mi8,410 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slope via Window Creek

Take Highway 180 east from Fresno to Roads End beyond Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon National Park; the road is usually open late April to mid-November. Follow the Woods Creek Trail through Paradise Valley, leave it at Window Creek, and climb brushy slabs with a few Class 3 steps to the high bench west of Pyramid Peak. Cross the saddle into Arrow Basin and climb the Class 2 southeast slope. Arrow Creek is a shorter but brushier option. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is needed for the usual two to three day trip.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Stream crossing
  • Loose rock

Quests with Arrow Peak

Peaks near Arrow Peak

  1. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 7.4 mi away

  2. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 9.9 mi away

  3. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 11.5 mi away

  4. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 11.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Arrow Peak?

Arrow Peak is 12,961 feet (3,950 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Arrow Peak?

The Southeast Slope via Window Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 30 miles with 8,410 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Arrow Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Slope via Window Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Arrow Peak?

The Southeast Slope via Window Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 30 miles with 8,410 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Arrow Peak?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Arrow Peak reaches 12,961 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

When is the best time to hike Arrow Peak?

The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Arrow Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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