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12,310 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Picket Guard Peak

Picket Guard Peak is a 12,310 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah River: 46 mi, 15,195 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Picket Guard Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0

Picket Guard Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,310 ft3,752 m
  • RouteEast Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah RiverClass 2
  • Distance46 mi15,195 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah River

From Independence, drive Market Street west 4.3 miles to dirt Foothill Road and on to the Shepherd Pass hiker trailhead (high clearance advised). Cross Shepherd Pass and descend west into the upper Kern River canyon, then follow the Kern-Kaweah River upstream. Ford it and climb the mostly wooded east slope to the summit (Class 2). The descent into and climb out of the Kern gorge make this one of the longest SPS trips, so plan four or more days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; quotas open six months ahead on Recreation.gov.

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
  • Loose rock
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Picket Guard Peak

Peaks near Picket Guard Peak

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 9.3 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 10.0 mi away

  3. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 10.1 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 10.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Picket Guard Peak?

Picket Guard Peak is 12,310 feet (3,752 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Picket Guard Peak?

The East Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah River is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 46 miles with 15,195 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Picket Guard Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah River, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Picket Guard Peak?

The East Slope via Shepherd Pass and Kern-Kaweah River needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 46 miles with 15,195 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 Picket Guard Peak?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Picket Guard Peak reaches 12,310 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 Picket Guard 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 Picket Guard 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

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