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- Pyramid Peak
9,987 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Pyramid Peak
Pyramid Peak is a 9,987 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Lyons Creek Trail and Sylvia Lake: 12 mi, 3,285 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Phreakdigital
Pyramid Peak at a glance
- Elevation9,987 ft3,044 m
- RouteLyons Creek Trail and Sylvia LakeClass 2
- Distance12 mi3,285 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Lyons Creek Trail and Sylvia Lake
From Placerville, drive US 50 east and turn north on Wrights Lake Road to the Lyons Creek trailhead. Follow the Lyons Creek Trail up the forested valley to Sylvia Lake, then leave the trail and climb steep cross-country slopes of granite slabs and talus to the summit ridge. Finish on Class 2 boulders. Route-finding matters above the lake, and loose rock covers much of the upper mountain. A free Desolation Wilderness permit is required even for day hikes; self-issue it at the trailhead. Snow lingers on the upper slopes into July.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Pyramid Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Pyramid Peak?
Pyramid Peak is 9,987 feet (3,044 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Pyramid Peak?
The Lyons Creek Trail and Sylvia Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 3,285 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Pyramid Peak?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Lyons Creek Trail and Sylvia Lake, covering 12 miles with 3,285 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Pyramid Peak?
The Lyons Creek Trail and Sylvia Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 3,285 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 Pyramid 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 Pyramid 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