- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Black Hawk Mountain
10,329 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Black Hawk Mountain
Black Hawk Mountain is a 10,329 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Kennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch Meadow: 22 mi, 4,390 ft of gain, Class 2.
Black Hawk Mountain at a glance
- Elevation10,329 ft3,148 m
- RouteKennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch MeadowClass 2
- Distance22 mi4,390 ft gain
- Time2 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Kennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch Meadow
From Sonora, drive Highway 108 east toward Sonora Pass and turn onto Kennedy Meadows Road to the hiker lot near the resort. Walk through the resort onto the trail up the Middle Fork Stanislaus, above Relief Reservoir and past Saucer Meadow to Lunch Meadow, then leave the trail for open Class 2 slabs and benches to the broad summit. The trail is dusty and churned by pack stock. Most parties camp near Lunch Meadow or Black Hawk Lake and summit the second morning. A free Stanislaus National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight.
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
- Storms
- Stream crossing
Quests with Black Hawk Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Black Hawk Mountain?
Black Hawk Mountain is 10,329 feet (3,148 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Black Hawk Mountain?
The Kennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch Meadow is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 22 miles with 4,390 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Black Hawk Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Kennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch Meadow, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Black Hawk Mountain?
The Kennedy Meadows Trail and Lunch Meadow needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 22 miles with 4,390 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Black Hawk Mountain?
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 Black Hawk Mountain 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