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- Diamond Peak
13,125 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Diamond Peak
Diamond Peak is a 13,125 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope from the Baxter Pass Trail: 23 mi, 10,625 ft of gain, Class 2.
Diamond Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,125 ft4,000 m
- RouteSoutheast Slope from the Baxter Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance23 mi10,625 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slope from the Baxter Pass Trail
From Independence, drive north on US 395 about 2 miles, take Fish Hatchery Road and follow North Oak Creek Road to the Baxter Pass trailhead. Hike the steep, unmaintained Baxter Pass Trail up North Fork Oak Creek through brush and several stream crossings. Leave the trail in the high meadows below the pass, enter the bowl between Diamond Peak and Black Mountain, and climb the Class 2 southeast slope or broad south-facing chute to the summit plateau. The scree is very loose when dry, and the chutes hold firm snow in spring. Most parties camp near Summit Meadow on an Inyo National Forest 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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- Snow near summit
Quests with Diamond Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Diamond Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Diamond Peak?
Diamond Peak is 13,125 feet (4,000 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Diamond Peak?
The Southeast Slope from the Baxter Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 23 miles with 10,625 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Diamond Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Southeast Slope from the Baxter Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Diamond Peak?
The Southeast Slope from the Baxter Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 23 miles with 10,625 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 Diamond Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Diamond Peak reaches 13,125 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 Diamond 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 Diamond 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