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12,344 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Sawtooth Peak

Sawtooth Peak is a 12,344 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge from Sawtooth Pass: 13 mi, 5,635 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Sawtooth Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Sawtooth Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,344 ft3,762 m
  • RouteNorthwest Ridge from Sawtooth PassClass 2
  • Distance13 mi5,635 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Northwest Ridge from Sawtooth Pass

From Three Rivers on CA 198, drive Mineral King Road about 25 miles to the Sawtooth Pass trailhead near the end of the road (open late May to October, with construction delays through 2027). Climb the Timber Gap and Sawtooth Pass trail to Monarch Lakes, then follow the sandy, branching path to Sawtooth Pass. Scramble the ridge to the summit on solid Class 2 boulders, with a few easy Class 3 moves on the narrow summit fin. The sand makes a fast descent. Wrap your car against marmots in early summer and start early for storms.

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

  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Steep exposure

Quests with Sawtooth Peak

Peaks near Sawtooth Peak

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 16.5 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 16.9 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 17.4 mi away

  4. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 18.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Sawtooth Peak?

Sawtooth Peak is 12,344 feet (3,762 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Sawtooth Peak?

The Northwest Ridge from Sawtooth Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 5,635 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Sawtooth Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge from Sawtooth Pass, covering 13 miles with 5,635 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Sawtooth Peak?

The Northwest Ridge from Sawtooth Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 5,635 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Sawtooth Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Sawtooth Peak reaches 12,344 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Sawtooth Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Sawtooth 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 Sawtooth 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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