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- Leavitt Peak
11,572 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Leavitt Peak
Leavitt Peak is an 11,572 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge via Pacific Crest Trail: 11 mi, 2,850 ft of gain, Class 1.
Leavitt Peak at a glance
- Elevation11,572 ft3,527 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge via Pacific Crest TrailClass 1
- Distance11 mi2,850 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Ridge via Pacific Crest Trail
From Sonora, drive Highway 108 east to the Pacific Crest Trail lot at Sonora Pass. Follow the PCT south along the crest past Latopie Lake for about five miles, then leave it for a use trail up the southeast ridge to the wide, flat summit. The route is Class 1, all at high elevation with steady wind and almost no shade. A north-facing bowl early on keeps steep snow into July, so carry traction early in the season. Water is scarce past Sardine Creek. Start early to be off the open crest before afternoon thunderstorms. Highway 108 closes in winter.
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
- High winds
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Leavitt Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Leavitt Peak?
Leavitt Peak is 11,572 feet (3,527 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Leavitt Peak?
The Southeast Ridge via Pacific Crest Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 2,850 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Leavitt Peak?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Southeast Ridge via Pacific Crest Trail, covering 11 miles with 2,850 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Leavitt Peak?
The Southeast Ridge via Pacific Crest Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 2,850 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 Leavitt 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 hike Leavitt 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 Leavitt 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