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- Observation Peak
12,326 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Observation Peak
Observation Peak is a 12,326 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge via Cataract Creek Pass: 41 mi, 11,550 ft of gain, Class 2.
Observation Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,326 ft3,756 m
- RouteEast Ridge via Cataract Creek PassClass 2
- Distance41 mi11,550 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Ridge via Cataract Creek Pass
From Bishop, take Highway 168 and South Lake Road to the South Lake trailhead. Cross Bishop Pass, descend Dusy Basin to Le Conte Canyon, and follow the John Muir Trail down the Middle Fork Kings and up Palisade Creek to Deer Meadow. Cross the creek, follow the faint old Cataract Creek trail to Amphitheater Lake, and climb a steep, loose chute to Cataract Creek Pass, which can hold a late cornice. The east ridge is easy class 2 talus. Plan a backpack of three days or more. 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
- Stream crossing
- Route-finding difficulty
- Cornices
- Loose rock
Quests with Observation Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Observation Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Observation Peak?
Observation Peak is 12,326 feet (3,756 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Observation Peak?
The East Ridge via Cataract Creek Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 41 miles with 11,550 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Observation Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the East Ridge via Cataract Creek Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Observation Peak?
The East Ridge via Cataract Creek Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 41 miles with 11,550 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 Observation Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Observation Peak reaches 12,326 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 Observation 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 Observation 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