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- Caltech Peak
13,834 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Caltech Peak
Caltech Peak is a 13,834 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slope: 37 mi, 11,050 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Caltech Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,834 ft4,216 m
- RouteSouth SlopeClass 2
- Distance37 mi11,050 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slope
From Independence, take Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead and climb the Shepherd Pass Trail over its saddle and on to the pass. Drop west to Tyndall Creek, join the John Muir Trail briefly, and follow the Lake South America trail north toward the Kings-Kern Divide. The South Slope is a Class 2 climb on sand and boulders to the summit plateau. Afternoon storms are frequent and the high plateau offers no shelter. The Southeast Slopes from the JMT are a slightly harder alternative. Plan three days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required.
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
- High altitude
- Storms
- Loose rock
Quests with Caltech Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Caltech Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Caltech Peak?
Caltech Peak is 13,834 feet (4,216 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Caltech Peak?
The South Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 11,050 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Caltech Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the South Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Caltech Peak?
The South Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 37 miles with 11,050 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 Caltech Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Caltech Peak reaches 13,834 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 Caltech 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 Caltech 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