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- Black Giant
13,333 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Black Giant
Black Giant is a 13,333 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope via Echo Col: 27 mi, 7,055 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Tyler Bell, CC BY 2.0
Black Giant at a glance
- Elevation13,333 ft4,063 m
- RouteWest Slope via Echo ColClass 3
- Distance27 mi7,055 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Slope via Echo Col
From Bishop, take Highway 168 to the Lake Sabrina trailhead below the dam. Follow the Sabrina Basin trail past Blue Lake toward Sailor Lake, then go cross-country by Moonlight Lake to Echo Lake. Echo Col, a class 3 notch on the crest that often holds steep snow, leads into upper Le Conte Canyon. Descend to the John Muir Trail, hike up past Helen Lake, and climb the broad west slope of loose class 1-2 talus, watching for a false summit. Carry an ice axe into midsummer. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
Quests with Black Giant
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Black Giant
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Black Giant?
Black Giant is 13,333 feet (4,063 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Black Giant?
The West Slope via Echo Col is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 7,055 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Black Giant?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Slope via Echo Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Black Giant dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Black Giant?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the West Slope via Echo Col, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Black Giant?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Black Giant reaches 13,333 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 climb Black Giant?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Black Giant 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