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12,781 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Pyramid Peak

Pyramid Peak is a 12,781 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Window Creek from Woods Creek: 28 mi, 8,230 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Pyramid Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: David Bakken, CC BY-SA 2.5

Pyramid Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,781 ft3,895 m
  • RouteWindow Creek from Woods CreekClass 2
  • Distance28 mi8,230 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Window Creek from Woods Creek

Take Highway 180 east from Fresno through Kings Canyon National Park to Roads End past Cedar Grove; the road is usually open late April to mid-November. Hike the Woods Creek Trail through Paradise Valley and up Woods Creek to the Window Creek drainage, then climb cross-country on the east side of the creek over mostly Class 2 slabs with brief Class 3 steps and some brush. Higher up, angle east across easy benches to the summit slopes. Overnight trips need a Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit, and Paradise Valley is the first legal camp.

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
  • Rattlesnakes

Quests with Pyramid Peak

Peaks near Pyramid Peak

  1. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 8.2 mi away

  2. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 11.3 mi away

  3. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 13.3 mi away

  4. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 13.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Pyramid Peak?

Pyramid Peak is 12,781 feet (3,895 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Pyramid Peak?

The Window Creek from Woods Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 28 miles with 8,230 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Pyramid Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Window Creek from Woods Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Pyramid Peak?

The Window Creek from Woods Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 28 miles with 8,230 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 Pyramid Peak?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Pyramid Peak reaches 12,781 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 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

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