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- Merriam Peak
13,076 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Merriam Peak
Merriam Peak is a 13,076 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge via Royce Lakes: 18 mi, 6,005 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Merriam Peak at a glance
- Elevation13,076 ft3,985 m
- RouteNorthwest Ridge via Royce LakesClass 2
- Distance18 mi6,005 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northwest Ridge via Royce Lakes
From US 395 about 10 miles northwest of Bishop, take Pine Creek Road west past Rovana to the trailhead by the pack station. Climb the Pine Creek Pass Trail past the tungsten mine and Pine Lakes to Pine Creek Pass, then walk west over open slabs into the Royce Lakes basin. A snow chute leads to the Royce-Merriam saddle, and the northwest ridge is Class 2 if you stay just below the crest. Carry an ice axe for the chute in early summer. Most parties camp at Royce Lakes and pair it with Royce Peak. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight; reserve up to six months out.
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
- Snow near summit
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Merriam Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Merriam Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Merriam Peak?
Merriam Peak is 13,076 feet (3,985 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Merriam Peak?
The Northwest Ridge via Royce Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 6,005 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Merriam Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northwest Ridge via Royce Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Merriam Peak?
The Northwest Ridge via Royce Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 18 miles with 6,005 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 Merriam Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Merriam Peak reaches 13,076 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 Merriam 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 Merriam 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