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14,248 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

North Palisade

North Palisade is a 14,248 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the LeConte Route via Bishop Pass: 17 mi, 5,311 ft of gain, Class 4.

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North Palisade in the Sierra Nevada, California

North Palisade at a glance

  • Elevation14,248 ft4,342 m
  • RouteLeConte Route via Bishop PassClass 4
  • Distance17 mi5,311 ft gain
  • Time12 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the LeConte Route via Bishop Pass

From Big Pine, CA, hike the North Fork of Big Pine Creek to a base camp near Sam Mack Meadow or the Palisade Glacier. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required, with an overnight quota booked on Recreation.gov, so reserve early. A serious objective, the LeConte Route involves glacier travel, the U-Notch and chimney systems, and exposed Class 4 on the summit blocks. Most parties rope up and carry rock protection. The Palisade Glacier has crevasse hazard and route-finding is complex. Best in late summer for experienced parties.

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
  • Mountaineering Boots
  • Gaiters
  • Crampons
  • Ice Axe
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners
  • Trekking Poles
  • Base Layer
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Hardshell Pants
  • Warm Hat
  • Heavyweight Gloves
  • Buff
  • Sun Hat
  • Glacier Glasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
  • Sleeping Pad

What to watch for

  • Technical climbing
  • Steep exposure
  • Glacier travel
  • Crevasses
  • Rockfall
  • High altitude
  • Snow near summit
  • Ice near summit
  • Altitude sickness
  • High winds
  • Storms
  • Remote location
  • Loose rock
  • Knife-edge ridge
  • Route-finding difficulty

Quests with North Palisade

Peaks near North Palisade

  1. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 0.6 mi away

  2. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 3.0 mi away

  3. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 7.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is North Palisade?

North Palisade is 14,248 feet (4,342 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How does North Palisade rank among the California 14ers?

At 14,248 feet, North Palisade is the 4th highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.

How hard is it to climb North Palisade?

The LeConte Route via Bishop Pass is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 5,311 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb North Palisade?

Most people take 12 – 15 hours round trip on the LeConte Route via Bishop Pass, covering 17 miles with 5,311 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is North 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 crampons and an ice axe for North Palisade?

Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the LeConte Route via Bishop Pass for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Glacier travel also means a rope, harness and crevasse rescue skills. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.

Will you get altitude sickness on North Palisade?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Palisade reaches 14,248 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 North Palisade?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 15 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to climb North Palisade?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for North Palisade?

The LeConte Route via Bishop Pass starts at about 9,820 feet, roughly 4,428 feet below the summit.

Climb North 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

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