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13,512 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Cloudripper

Cloudripper is a 13,512 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope via Green Lake: 10 mi, 4,345 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Cloudripper in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Tim Berger, CC BY 2.0

Cloudripper at a glance

  • Elevation13,512 ft4,118 m
  • RouteNorth Slope via Green LakeClass 2
  • Distance10 mi4,345 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Slope via Green Lake

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 and South Lake Road to Parchers Resort and start at the Rainbow Pack Station. Follow the Green Lake Trail past Brown and Green Lakes to the high plateau above Green Lake. Head south along the broad, bouldery ridge over Vagabond Peak, cross the saddle beyond, and climb the class 2 North Slope; the summit blocks need a few easy class 3 moves. Water is plentiful near Green Lake but scarce on the ridge. The route is open to wind and afternoon lightning, so start early and turn back if storms build.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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

  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude

Quests with Cloudripper

Peaks near Cloudripper

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 3.5 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 3.6 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 6.0 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 10.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Cloudripper?

Cloudripper is 13,512 feet (4,118 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Cloudripper?

The North Slope via Green Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,345 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Cloudripper?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the North Slope via Green Lake, covering 10 miles with 4,345 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Cloudripper?

The North Slope via Green Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,345 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Cloudripper?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Cloudripper reaches 13,512 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Cloudripper?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Cloudripper?

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 Cloudripper 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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