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- Disappointment Peak
13,971 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Disappointment Peak
Disappointment Peak is a 13,971 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Traverse via Balcony Peak: 13 mi, 6,515 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: Leaf Petersen, CC BY 2.0
Disappointment Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,971 ft4,258 m
- RouteTraverse via Balcony PeakClass 4
- Distance13 mi6,515 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Traverse via Balcony Peak
From Big Pine, drive Glacier Lodge Road (Crocker Avenue) west to its end at the Big Pine Creek trailhead; overnight parking is in the lower lot. Take the South Fork Trail to Brainerd Lake, then go cross-country past Finger Lake to the Middle Palisade Glacier. The usual line crosses a bergschrund to Balcony Peak, traverses its exposed north face to the notch south of the summit, and ends with a Class 3 scramble; the route overall is Class 4 on very loose rock. Bring a helmet, axe and crampons, and many parties carry a rope. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required to camp at Finger Lake.
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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Crevasses
- Glacier travel
Quests with Disappointment Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Disappointment Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Disappointment Peak?
Disappointment Peak is 13,971 feet (4,258 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Disappointment Peak?
The Traverse via Balcony Peak is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 6,515 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Disappointment Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Traverse via Balcony Peak, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Disappointment Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need a rope to climb Disappointment Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Traverse via Balcony Peak is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Disappointment Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Disappointment Peak reaches 13,971 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 Disappointment Peak?
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 Disappointment 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