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13,254 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Royce Peak

Royce Peak is a 13,254 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slope via Royce-Merriam Saddle: 19 mi, 6,180 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Royce Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0

Royce Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,254 ft4,039 m
  • RouteSouth Slope via Royce-Merriam SaddleClass 2
  • Distance19 mi6,180 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the South Slope via Royce-Merriam Saddle

From US 395 northwest of Bishop, drive Pine Creek Road through Rovana to the Pine Creek trailhead. Follow the Pine Creek Pass Trail past Pine Lakes and Honeymoon Lake to the pass, then cross the broad plateau west to the Royce Lakes. Climb the permanent snowfield or its north edge to the Royce-Merriam saddle, then scramble the Class 2 south slope over boulders and sandy paths to the middle of three summit piles. Axe and crampons help early in the season. Most groups camp at the lakes and add Merriam. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight; book 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

  • Snow near summit
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Royce Peak

Peaks near Royce Peak

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 20.9 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 21.3 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 23.9 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 28.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Royce Peak?

Royce Peak is 13,254 feet (4,039 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Royce Peak?

The South Slope via Royce-Merriam Saddle is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 6,180 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Royce Peak?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Slope via Royce-Merriam Saddle, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Royce Peak?

The South Slope via Royce-Merriam Saddle needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 19 miles with 6,180 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 Royce Peak?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Royce Peak reaches 13,254 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 Royce 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 Royce 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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