Yak logoYAK
  1. …
  2. Yak
  3. Quests
  4. Sierra Peaks Section
  5. North Peak

12,244 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

North Peak

North Peak is a 12,244 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slope via Conness Lakes: 8 mi, 3,120 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
North Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

North Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,244 ft3,731 m
  • RouteSouthwest Slope via Conness LakesClass 2
  • Distance8 mi3,120 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southwest Slope via Conness Lakes

From Lee Vining, drive Highway 120 west toward Tioga Pass and take the dirt Saddlebag Lake Road north to the lake. Walk the trail around Saddlebag Lake into the Twenty Lakes Basin, leave it near Greenstone Lake and climb west to the Conness Lakes. Above the highest lake, ascend sandy slopes and talus to the crest just south of the peak, then follow the gentle southwest slope to the summit. The route is Class 2, and the steeper chutes on the southeast face carry loose rock and lingering snow. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Pair it with Mount Conness for a long day from the same trailhead.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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

  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms

Quests with North Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is North Peak?

North Peak is 12,244 feet (3,731 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike North Peak?

The Southwest Slope via Conness Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike North Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Southwest Slope via Conness Lakes, covering 8 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike North Peak?

The Southwest Slope via Conness Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 3,120 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on North Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and North Peak reaches 12,244 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 hiking North 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 North 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 North 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

App StoreGoogle Play