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- Dragon Peak
12,990 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Dragon Peak
Dragon Peak is a 12,990 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge from Golden Trout Lakes: 7 mi, 4,300 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: David Stone, CC BY-SA 2.0
Dragon Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,990 ft3,959 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge from Golden Trout LakesClass 4
- Distance7 mi4,300 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Ridge from Golden Trout Lakes
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Take the Kearsarge Pass Trail a short way and branch right on the Golden Trout Lakes Trail, a steep, rough path past a waterfall to the lakes. From the upper lake, climb the broad chute west to the Sierra crest, then scramble north along broken ridge rock past a false summit. The crux is an exposed ledge traverse on the summit block, rated Class 3 to 4 with a serious fall below, so some parties bring a short rope. Hard snow can fill the chute into July and the rock is loose throughout. Wear a helmet and start early.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Dragon Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Dragon Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Dragon Peak?
Dragon Peak is 12,990 feet (3,959 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Dragon Peak?
The Southeast Ridge from Golden Trout Lakes is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 7 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Dragon Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge from Golden Trout Lakes, covering 7 miles with 4,300 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Dragon Peak dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Dragon Peak?
Most parties bring one. The Southeast Ridge from Golden Trout Lakes is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Dragon Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dragon Peak reaches 12,990 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 climbing Dragon Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Dragon 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 Dragon 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