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- Black Kaweah
13,776 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Black Kaweah
Black Kaweah is a 13,776 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo: 45 mi, 14,110 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Jeffrey Pang, CC BY 2.0
Black Kaweah at a glance
- Elevation13,776 ft4,198 m
- RouteSouthwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big ArroyoClass 3
- Distance45 mi14,110 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo
From Three Rivers, drive Mineral King Road (late May to October) to the Sawtooth trailhead and backpack over Sawtooth Pass to the Big Arroyo cabin. Head north to the lake southwest of the peak to study the two chutes. Start up the right chute, cross a ducked ramp left below its black rock band, and climb the left chute to the summit notch (Class 3, very loose). Helmets are essential and small parties limit rockfall. Ice can linger in the chutes. You need a Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit.
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
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Black Kaweah
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Black Kaweah
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Black Kaweah?
Black Kaweah is 13,776 feet (4,198 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Black Kaweah?
The Southwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo 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: 45 miles with 14,110 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Black Kaweah?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Black Kaweah dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock 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 Kaweah?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Face via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Black Kaweah?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Black Kaweah reaches 13,776 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 Kaweah?
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 Kaweah 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