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12,421 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Glacier Ridge

Glacier Ridge is a 12,421 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes from Cloud Canyon: 50 mi, 9,720 ft of gain, Class 4.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Glacier Ridge at a glance

  • Elevation12,421 ft3,785 m
  • RouteSoutheast Slopes from Cloud CanyonClass 4
  • Distance50 mi9,720 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysExtreme effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slopes from Cloud Canyon

From Fresno, take CA 180 to Grant Grove, follow the Generals Highway south to Big Meadows Road (FS 14S11), then the rough FS 13S12 spur to the Marvin Pass trailhead; high clearance is advised. Cross Marvin Pass, descend Sugarloaf Creek to Roaring River, and follow the Cloud Canyon trail past Big Wet Meadow. Leave the trail, work up Cloud Canyon, and climb Class 2 slabs and talus on the southeast side to the crest. The summit block is an exposed Class 4 boulder, so bring a short rope. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit (Sugarloaf entry) is required for this multi-day trip.

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
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Steep exposure
  • Stream crossing
  • Loose rock
  • Storms

Quests with Glacier Ridge

Peaks near Glacier Ridge

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 12.6 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 14.0 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 15.0 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 15.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Glacier Ridge?

Glacier Ridge is 12,421 feet (3,785 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Glacier Ridge?

The Southeast Slopes from Cloud Canyon is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 50 miles with 9,720 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Glacier Ridge?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southeast Slopes from Cloud Canyon, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Glacier Ridge 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 Glacier Ridge?

Most parties bring one. The Southeast Slopes from Cloud Canyon is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Glacier Ridge?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Glacier Ridge reaches 12,421 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

When is the best time to climb Glacier Ridge?

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 Glacier Ridge 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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