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- Dicks Peak
9,975 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Dicks Peak
Dicks Peak is a 9,975 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Dicks Pass: 13 mi, 4,065 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Rick McCharles, CC BY 2.0
Dicks Peak at a glance
- Elevation9,975 ft3,040 m
- RouteNortheast Ridge from Dicks PassClass 2
- Distance13 mi4,065 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Dicks Pass
From South Lake Tahoe, drive Highway 89 north to Fallen Leaf Lake Road and follow it to Forest Road 12N16 and the Glen Alpine trailhead (the last mile is narrow and rough). Hike the Glen Alpine Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail and follow it north up to Dicks Pass. Leave the trail on a use path that drops to the saddle east of the peak, then climb a steep, loose Class 2 chute left of the ridge crest to easier ground and the summit. Move one at a time in the chute to avoid rockfall. A free Desolation Wilderness permit is required even for day hikes.
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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Dicks Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Dicks Peak?
Dicks Peak is 9,975 feet (3,040 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Dicks Peak?
The Northeast Ridge from Dicks Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 4,065 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Dicks Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge from Dicks Pass, covering 13 miles with 4,065 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Dicks Peak?
The Northeast Ridge from Dicks Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 4,065 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Dicks 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 Dicks 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