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12,370 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Dunderberg Peak

Dunderberg Peak is a 12,370 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes: 4 mi, 2,925 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Dunderberg Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Dunderberg Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,370 ft3,770 m
  • RouteSoutheast Ridge from Virginia LakesClass 2
  • Distance4 mi2,925 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes

From Lee Vining, drive US 395 north to Conway Summit and take Virginia Lakes Road west to the trailhead at road end. Leave the parking area heading north cross-country through sagebrush to the rocky southeast ridge rising directly above. Climb talus and scree up the ridge, passing gendarmes on either side, to the saddle between the lower east summit and the higher west summit. The route is Class 2, with loose gullies to the west and optional Class 3 rock on the crest. There is no trail and little shade, and wind is common on top. In spring the south face is a popular ski descent.

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

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • High winds
  • Storms

Quests with Dunderberg Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Dunderberg Peak?

Dunderberg Peak is 12,370 feet (3,770 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Dunderberg Peak?

The Southeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,925 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Dunderberg Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes, covering 4 miles with 2,925 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Dunderberg Peak?

The Southeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 4 miles with 2,925 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Dunderberg Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Dunderberg Peak reaches 12,370 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 hiking Dunderberg Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Dunderberg 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 Dunderberg 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

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