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- Recess Peak
12,835 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Recess Peak
Recess Peak is a 12,835 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Normal Route via Bear Ridge Trail: 25 mi, 7,535 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
Recess Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,835 ft3,912 m
- RouteNormal Route via Bear Ridge TrailClass 2
- Distance25 mi7,535 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Normal Route via Bear Ridge Trail
From Shaver Lake, follow CA 168 to Huntington Lake, then the narrow, mostly one-lane Kaiser Pass Road and Edison Lake Road to the Bear Ridge trailhead below Lake Edison. The trail climbs Bear Ridge to the John Muir Trail, and the SPS line continues east toward Bear Creek before a Class 2 cross-country climb of the peak. A shorter option leaves the JMT early and follows the Class 3 southwest ridge, about 16 mi round trip. Water is scarce high on the ridge. A Sierra National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight; reserve on Recreation.gov 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
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Recess Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Recess Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Recess Peak?
Recess Peak is 12,835 feet (3,912 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Recess Peak?
The Normal Route via Bear Ridge Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 7,535 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Recess Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Normal Route via Bear Ridge Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Recess Peak?
The Normal Route via Bear Ridge Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 25 miles with 7,535 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 Recess Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Recess Peak reaches 12,835 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 Recess 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 Recess 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