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12,431 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Florence Peak

Florence Peak is a 12,431 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Franklin Pass: 16 mi, 8,460 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Florence Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: MiguelVieira, CC BY 2.0

Florence Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,431 ft3,788 m
  • RouteNortheast Ridge from Franklin PassClass 2
  • Distance16 mi8,460 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Franklin Pass

From Three Rivers on CA 198, drive Mineral King Road about 25 miles to its end (open late May to October, with construction delays through 2027). Cross to the pack station and take the Farewell Gap Trail about 3.5 miles to the Franklin Lakes junction, then climb past the lakes to Franklin Pass. Follow the northeast ridge up large blocks, staying right of the crest where it steepens; the ledge on the left leads onto the harder east face. It is Class 2. Wrap your car against marmots and start before dawn for a long day.

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

What to watch for

  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Florence Peak

Peaks near Florence Peak

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 18.1 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 18.7 mi away

  3. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 19.1 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 19.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Florence Peak?

Florence Peak is 12,431 feet (3,788 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Florence Peak?

The Northeast Ridge from Franklin Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 8,460 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Florence Peak?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge from Franklin Pass, covering 16 miles with 8,460 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Florence Peak?

The Northeast Ridge from Franklin Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 8,460 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 Florence Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Florence Peak reaches 12,431 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 Florence Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Florence 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 Florence 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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