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- Middle Palisade
14,012 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Middle Palisade
Middle Palisade is a 14,012 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail: 13 mi, 6,423 ft of gain, Class 3.
Middle Palisade at a glance
- Elevation14,012 ft4,270 m
- RouteSouth Fork Big Pine Creek TrailClass 3
- Distance13 mi6,423 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonAug – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail
From Big Pine, CA, hike the South Fork of Big Pine Creek to a camp near Finger or Brainerd Lake. Climbed via the Northeast Face - a chute-and-ledge system above the Middle Palisade Glacier; route-finding is the crux and it is easy to be drawn onto harder terrain. Loose rock and the small glacier below add hazard, so most parties bring a helmet and some rope up. A wilderness permit is required; best in late summer. Committing and serious for a Class 3 peak - one of the trickier Palisade summits to navigate.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Midweight Gloves
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Remote location
- Glacier travel
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Low visibility
Quests with Middle Palisade
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Middle Palisade
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Middle Palisade?
Middle Palisade is 14,012 feet (4,270 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How does Middle Palisade rank among the California 14ers?
At 14,012 feet, Middle Palisade is the 12th highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.
How hard is it to climb Middle Palisade?
The South Fork Big Pine Creek 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 very hard: 13 miles with 6,423 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Middle Palisade?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail, covering 13 miles with 6,423 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Middle Palisade dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier, exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need a rope to climb Middle Palisade?
Most parties bring one. The South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail is Class 3, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Will you get altitude sickness on Middle Palisade?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Middle Palisade reaches 14,012 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Middle Palisade?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Middle Palisade?
The usual climbing window is August to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Middle Palisade?
The South Fork Big Pine Creek Trail starts at about 7,810 feet, roughly 6,202 feet below the summit.
Climb Middle Palisade 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