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- Freel Peak
10,883 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Freel Peak
Freel Peak is a 10,883 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Armstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim Trail: 10 mi, 3,050 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Jonathan Cook-Fisher, CC BY 2.0
Freel Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,883 ft3,317 m
- RouteArmstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim TrailClass 1
- Distance10 mi3,050 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Armstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim Trail
From South Lake Tahoe, take Pioneer Trail to Oneidas Street and follow narrow, paved Fountain Place Road to its end (it is gated until about July 1). Hike the Armstrong Connector up to Armstrong Pass, follow the Tahoe Rim Trail north to the high saddle below the peak, then take a steep, sandy use trail to the summit, the highest point around Lake Tahoe. The route is Class 1. Expect heavy mountain bike traffic on the connector and strong, cold wind on top. Parking at the road end is very limited, so arrive early.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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 winds
- High altitude
- Cold summit conditions
- Loose rock
Quests with Freel Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Freel Peak?
Freel Peak is 10,883 feet (3,317 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Freel Peak?
The Armstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Freel Peak?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Armstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim Trail, covering 10 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Freel Peak?
The Armstrong Connector and Tahoe Rim Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,050 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Freel 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 Freel 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