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11,751 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Independence Peak

Independence Peak is an 11,751 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Face via Robinson Lake Trail: 4 mi, 2,640 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Independence Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Anthony Greco, CC BY 2.0

Independence Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,751 ft3,581 m
  • RouteWest Face via Robinson Lake TrailClass 3
  • Distance4 mi2,640 ft gain
  • Time4 – 6 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Face via Robinson Lake Trail

From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to Onion Valley and park near the campground. The Robinson Lake Trail starts at the east end of the campground loop and climbs steeply. Below the rise above Robinson Lake, leave the trail and head up the reddish west face on use paths and loose talus to a notch south of the summit, with a few Class 3 moves around a large boulder. Follow the ridge north to the top, keeping to the easier side of the crest. Snow can cover the Class 3 sections into early summer. It is a short half-day climb and a good acclimatization outing before bigger Onion Valley peaks.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 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

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Snow near summit
  • Storms

Quests with Independence Peak

Peaks near Independence Peak

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 7.3 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 7.3 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 12.0 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 12.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Independence Peak?

Independence Peak is 11,751 feet (3,581 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Independence Peak?

The West Face via Robinson Lake Trail is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 4 miles with 2,640 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Independence Peak?

Most people take 4 – 6 hours round trip on the West Face via Robinson Lake Trail, covering 4 miles with 2,640 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Is Independence Peak 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 helmet for Independence Peak?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the West Face via Robinson Lake Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.

What time should you start climbing Independence Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to climb Independence Peak?

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

Climb Independence 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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