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- Highland Peak
10,937 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Highland Peak
Highland Peak is a 10,937 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge via Noble Lake: 12 mi, 3,575 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0
Highland Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,937 ft3,333 m
- RouteSouthwest Ridge via Noble LakeClass 2
- Distance12 mi3,575 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Ridge via Noble Lake
From Markleeville, drive Highway 4 west to the Pacific Crest Trail parking area just east of Ebbetts Pass. Hike the PCT south above Noble Canyon to Noble Lake, then leave the trail past a small tarn and pick up a steep use trail to the saddle below the south summit. Follow the scree-covered ridge over the shoulder of the south peak, drop to the col, and scramble Class 2 blocks to the summit. Highway 4 is narrow, winding, and closed in winter. Expect loose footing on the ridge and a long regain on the walk out. Start early to beat afternoon storms.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Snow near summit
Quests with Highland Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Highland Peak?
Highland Peak is 10,937 feet (3,333 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Highland Peak?
The Southwest Ridge via Noble Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,575 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Highland Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Southwest Ridge via Noble Lake, covering 12 miles with 3,575 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Highland Peak?
The Southwest Ridge via Noble Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,575 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Highland Peak?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Highland 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 Highland 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