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8,386 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Rockhouse Peak

Rockhouse Peak is an 8,386 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Manter Creek Trail and North Side: 16 mi, 3,100 ft of gain, Class 2.

Rockhouse Peak at a glance

  • Elevation8,386 ft2,556 m
  • RouteManter Creek Trail and North SideClass 2
  • Distance16 mi3,100 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonMay – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Manter Creek Trail and North Side

From Kernville, drive Mountain 99 north to Sherman Pass Road, then Cherry Hill Road (22S12) and Big Meadow Road (22S07) to the South Manter trailhead. Cherry Hill Road is gated until about May. Hike through Manter Meadow and down the Manter Creek Trail past Little Manter Meadow, where the tread turns faint and brushy, to the saddle above Rockhouse Basin. Leave the trail north for about a mile of cross-country, then circle to the north side for a Class 2 gully (the east face is Class 3). Summer is hot; spring and fall are best.

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
  • Dry conditions
  • Remote location
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Rockhouse Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Rockhouse Peak?

Rockhouse Peak is 8,386 feet (2,556 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Rockhouse Peak?

The Manter Creek Trail and North Side is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Rockhouse Peak?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Manter Creek Trail and North Side, covering 16 miles with 3,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Rockhouse Peak?

The Manter Creek Trail and North Side needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 3,100 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 Rockhouse Peak?

The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Rockhouse 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