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- Junction Peak
13,896 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Junction Peak
Junction Peak is a 13,896 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Face: 24 mi, 8,835 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Junction Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,896 ft4,235 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 3
- Distance24 mi8,835 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Face
From Independence, take Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead. The Shepherd Pass Trail climbs over a dry saddle, loses several hundred feet to Shepherd Creek, then climbs past Anvil Camp to the pass. Contour west below the Southeast Ridge into the basin south of the peak, climb the wide South Face chute to a notch, and follow the final ridge over two false summits. That last stretch is Class 3 with a huge drop on the north side. Water is scarce low on the trail. Plan two or three days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required.
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
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Dry conditions
- Storms
Quests with Junction Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Junction Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Junction Peak?
Junction Peak is 13,896 feet (4,235 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Junction Peak?
The South Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 24 miles with 8,835 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Junction Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Junction 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 Junction Peak?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Junction Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Junction Peak reaches 13,896 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 Junction Peak?
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 Junction 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