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9,027 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Homers Nose

Homers Nose is a 9,027 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Cahoon Trail and Salt Creek Ridge: 14 mi, 7,185 ft of gain, Class 1.

Homers Nose at a glance

  • Elevation9,027 ft2,751 m
  • RouteCahoon Trail and Salt Creek RidgeClass 1
  • Distance14 mi7,185 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Cahoon Trail and Salt Creek Ridge

From Three Rivers, take South Fork Drive to its end at South Fork Campground in Sequoia National Park. Cross the river on the Ladybug Trail, then pick up the faint, abandoned trail that climbs north above Pigeon Creek, contours grassy slopes, and fades into manzanita below Salt Creek Ridge. Gain the ridge and follow its forested north side southeast to the flat, sandy summit (Class 1 with heavy brush). Poison oak and ticks fill the lower miles, deadfall slows progress, and pink ribbons are the only markers. Start at first light for a long day.

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

  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Insects
  • Rattlesnakes
  • Dry conditions

Quests with Homers Nose

Peaks near Homers Nose

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 29.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Homers Nose?

Homers Nose is 9,027 feet (2,751 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Homers Nose?

The Cahoon Trail and Salt Creek Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 7,185 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Homers Nose?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Cahoon Trail and Salt Creek Ridge, covering 14 miles with 7,185 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Homers Nose?

The Cahoon Trail and Salt Creek Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 7,185 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 Homers Nose?

The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Homers Nose 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