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- Palisade Crest
13,570 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Palisade Crest
Palisade Crest is a 13,570 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge via Scimitar Pass: 13 mi, 6,155 ft of gain, Class 4.
Palisade Crest at a glance
- Elevation13,570 ft4,136 m
- RouteNorthwest Ridge via Scimitar PassClass 4
- Distance13 mi6,155 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northwest Ridge via Scimitar Pass
From Big Pine, drive Glacier Lodge Road west to the Big Pine Creek trailhead and park in the overnight lot. Take the South Fork Trail to the Willow Lake turnoff, then follow faint use trails, talus and willow thickets up the drainage to Elinore Lake, a hard approach with a heavy pack. From camp, climb talus to Scimitar Pass and follow the Northwest Ridge along the crest of pinnacles to Gandalf Peak, the high point, with a final Class 4 section. Most parties carry a rope and light rack. Start early to beat afternoon storms. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips.
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
Helmet
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Technical climbing
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Palisade Crest
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Palisade Crest
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Palisade Crest?
Palisade Crest is 13,570 feet (4,136 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Palisade Crest?
The Northwest Ridge via Scimitar Pass is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 13 miles with 6,155 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Palisade Crest?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northwest Ridge via Scimitar Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Palisade Crest dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a rope to climb Palisade Crest?
Most parties bring one. The Northwest Ridge via Scimitar Pass is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Palisade Crest?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Palisade Crest reaches 13,570 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 climb Palisade Crest?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Palisade Crest 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