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- Marion Peak
12,722 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Marion Peak
Marion Peak is a 12,722 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 40 mi, 14,005 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: David Bakken, CC BY-SA 2.5
Marion Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,722 ft3,877 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance40 mi14,005 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From US 395 about 12 miles south of Big Pine, take rough Taboose Creek Road to its end and climb the hot Taboose Pass Trail over the crest into the upper South Fork Kings. Follow the John Muir Trail briefly, then the unmaintained Cartridge Pass trail to the lakes south of the pass. The Northeast Ridge is Class 2: traverse the sandy south side of Cirque Crest over several saddles, then scramble talus to the summit. This is one of the most remote SPS peaks, so plan three or more days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
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
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
- Storms
Quests with Marion Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Marion Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Marion Peak?
Marion Peak is 12,722 feet (3,877 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Marion Peak?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 40 miles with 14,005 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Marion Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northeast Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Marion Peak?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 40 miles with 14,005 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Marion Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Marion Peak reaches 12,722 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 hike Marion 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 Marion 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