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- Charybdis
13,097 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Charybdis
Charybdis is a 13,097 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 28 mi, 7,620 ft of gain, Class 3.
Charybdis at a glance
- Elevation13,097 ft3,991 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 3
- Distance28 mi7,620 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Bishop, take Highway 168 to the Lake Sabrina trailhead. Hike the Sabrina Basin trail toward Sailor Lake, go cross-country past Moonlight and Echo Lakes, and cross class 3 Echo Col into upper Le Conte Canyon. Join the John Muir Trail toward Helen Lake, then cross Black Giant Pass and drop into the eastern Ionian Basin. The Northeast Ridge is mostly class 2 on slabs and talus, ending in class 3 moves past a false summit and a short knife edge. Expect loose rock and snow at Echo Col. 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
- Steep exposure
- Knife-edge ridge
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Charybdis
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Charybdis
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Charybdis?
Charybdis is 13,097 feet (3,991 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Charybdis?
The Northeast Ridge 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: 28 miles with 7,620 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Charybdis?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northeast Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Charybdis 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 Charybdis?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Northeast Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Charybdis?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Charybdis reaches 13,097 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 Charybdis?
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 Charybdis 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