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11,564 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Gray Peak

Gray Peak is an 11,564 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes: 44 mi, 7,745 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Gray Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: au_ears, CC BY-SA 2.0

Gray Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,564 ft3,524 m
  • RouteSouthwest SlopesClass 2
  • Distance44 mi7,745 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southwest Slopes

In Yosemite, take Glacier Point Road (open late spring to fall) to the Mono Meadow trailhead. Descend to Illilouette Creek, which may need a detour to find a log in early summer, then follow the Merced Pass Trail south. Leave the trail and work east up the Red Creek basin to the bowl between Red and Gray, then climb the Class 2 southwest slopes of scree and slabs to the top. The west ridge offers a short Class 3 scramble. Navigation in the forested basins is tricky. Overnight trips need a Yosemite wilderness permit, awarded by lottery 24 weeks out.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Remote location
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Stream crossing

Quests with Gray Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Gray Peak?

Gray Peak is 11,564 feet (3,524 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Gray Peak?

The Southwest Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 44 miles with 7,745 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Gray Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slopes, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Gray Peak?

The Southwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 44 miles with 7,745 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 Gray 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 Gray 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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