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- Disaster Peak
10,052 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Disaster Peak
Disaster Peak is a 10,052 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Ridge via Disaster Creek: 13 mi, 4,715 ft of gain, Class 2.
Disaster Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,052 ft3,063 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Disaster CreekClass 2
- Distance13 mi4,715 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Ridge via Disaster Creek
From Sonora, drive Highway 108 east and turn north on Clark Fork Road for about 8.5 miles to the Disaster Creek trailhead near Iceberg Meadow. Climb the Disaster Creek Trail past The Iceberg to the Adams Camp meadow, then look for a faint use trail heading northeast that fades on forested slopes. Continue cross-country to the long south ridge and follow it to a summit of loose volcanic blocks (Class 2). The turnoff is easy to miss both ways, so carry a map and GPS. Expect muddy spots in early summer and iron-rich summit rock that throws off compasses.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Boggy terrain
- Storms
Quests with Disaster Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Disaster Peak?
Disaster Peak is 10,052 feet (3,063 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Disaster Peak?
The South Ridge via Disaster Creek 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 4,715 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Disaster Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the South Ridge via Disaster Creek, covering 13 miles with 4,715 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Disaster Peak?
The South Ridge via Disaster Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 4,715 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Disaster Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Disaster Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Disaster 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