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- Pilot Knob
12,249 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Pilot Knob
Pilot Knob is a 12,249 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge via Humphreys Basin: 21 mi, 4,595 ft of gain, Class 2.
Pilot Knob at a glance
- Elevation12,249 ft3,733 m
- RouteEast Ridge via Humphreys BasinClass 2
- Distance21 mi4,595 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Ridge via Humphreys Basin
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west to North Lake Road and park in the hiker lot below the campground. Hike the Piute Pass Trail over the pass and bear right below Summit Lake toward Desolation Lake. Before Lower Desolation Lake, head cross-country over rolling Humphreys Basin to the saddle east of the peak, staying fairly low to save effort. A Class 2 boulder ridge leads to the summit, while the western ridge has Class 3 moves. Note landmarks on the way in, since the return across the basin is easy to misjudge. Camp in the basin with an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, reserved 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Rapid weather shifts
- High altitude
Quests with Pilot Knob
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Pilot Knob
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Pilot Knob?
Pilot Knob is 12,249 feet (3,733 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Pilot Knob?
The East Ridge via Humphreys Basin is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 21 miles with 4,595 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Pilot Knob?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Ridge via Humphreys Basin, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Pilot Knob?
The East Ridge via Humphreys Basin needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 21 miles with 4,595 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 Pilot Knob?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pilot Knob reaches 12,249 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 Pilot Knob?
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 Pilot Knob 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