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- Pettit Peak
10,791 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Pettit Peak
Pettit Peak is a 10,791 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Ridge Traverse from Volunteer Peak: 50 mi, 9,090 ft of gain, Class 2.
Pettit Peak at a glance
- Elevation10,791 ft3,289 m
- RouteRidge Traverse from Volunteer PeakClass 2
- Distance50 mi9,090 ft gain
- Time4 – 6 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Ridge Traverse from Volunteer Peak
From Bridgeport, drive Twin Lakes Road to Mono Village at road end, which charges a Mono Village parking fee. Backpack the Robinson Creek trail past Barney Lake and over the crest at Peeler Lake, then through Kerrick Meadow to Seavey Pass in Yosemite. Take the Rodgers Lake trail, climb Volunteer Peak first, then traverse the west side of the connecting ridge to Pettit, Class 2. This is one of the most remote SPS peaks, usually done over four to six days with Volunteer and Piute. A Hoover Wilderness permit covers the trip into the park; reserve up to six months ahead and carry a bear canister.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- Insects
- Storms
Quests with Pettit Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pettit Peak?
Pettit Peak is 10,791 feet (3,289 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Pettit Peak?
The Ridge Traverse from Volunteer Peak is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 50 miles with 9,090 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Pettit Peak?
Most climbers plan 4 – 6 days for the Ridge Traverse from Volunteer Peak, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Pettit Peak?
The Ridge Traverse from Volunteer Peak needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 50 miles with 9,090 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Pettit 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 Pettit 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