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- Olancha Peak
12,129 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Olancha Peak
Olancha Peak is a 12,129 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope via Olancha Pass Trail: 22 mi, 6,535 ft of gain, Class 2.
Olancha Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,129 ft3,696 m
- RouteWest Slope via Olancha Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance22 mi6,535 ft gain
- Time1 – 2 daysHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Slope via Olancha Pass Trail
From Olancha on US 395, drive about 5 miles south and turn west on Sage Flat Road, half paved and half graded dirt, to the Sage Flat trailhead by the public corral. Climb the steep, sandy Olancha Pass Trail through oak and pine to Summit Meadow, join the Pacific Crest Trail, and follow it north over two saddles until the peak rises to the northeast. Leave the trail and scramble Class 2 talus and boulders with no use path to the summit, avoiding the harder blocks. Water gets scarce after early summer. Most parties camp near the PCT or start well before dawn for a very long day.
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
- Dry conditions
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Storms
Quests with Olancha Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Olancha Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Olancha Peak?
Olancha Peak is 12,129 feet (3,696 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Olancha Peak?
The West Slope via Olancha Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 22 miles with 6,535 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Olancha Peak?
Most climbers plan 1 – 2 days for the West Slope via Olancha Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Olancha Peak?
The West Slope via Olancha Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 22 miles with 6,535 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 Olancha Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Olancha Peak reaches 12,129 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 Olancha Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Olancha 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