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10,533 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Cartago Peak

Cartago Peak is a 10,533 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slopes from Cartago: 10 mi, 6,710 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Cartago Peak at a glance

  • Elevation10,533 ft3,210 m
  • RouteEast Slopes from CartagoClass 3
  • Distance10 mi6,710 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonApr – Jun
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Slopes from Cartago

From Cartago on US 395, take the unsigned dirt road west at the north end of town, cross the Los Angeles Aqueduct on the bridge, and drive south along the canal about half a mile to roadside parking by a closed 4WD spur. Walk up the old road, then grind up steep, loose sand through sage, Joshua trees and pinyon, cross a cliff band on the ridge, and reach a broad summit plateau crowded with granite crags. The true high point sits at the southeast end and needs a short Class 3 scramble. Expect heat down low, little or no water, and confusing navigation on top, so carry a GPS track.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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

  • Dry conditions
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Loose rock
  • Rattlesnakes

Quests with Cartago Peak

Peaks near Cartago Peak

  1. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 15.7 mi away

  2. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 19.6 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 20.5 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 21.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cartago Peak?

Cartago Peak is 10,533 feet (3,210 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Cartago Peak?

The East Slopes from Cartago is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 6,710 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Cartago Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the East Slopes from Cartago, covering 10 miles with 6,710 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Cartago Peak dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: 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 Cartago Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Slopes from Cartago, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Cartago Peak?

The usual climbing window is April to June. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Cartago 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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