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- Seven Gables
13,070 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Seven Gables
Seven Gables is a 13,070 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Slope via Sandpiper Lake: 29 mi, 7,730 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0
Seven Gables at a glance
- Elevation13,070 ft3,983 m
- RouteNorthwest Slope via Sandpiper LakeClass 2
- Distance29 mi7,730 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northwest Slope via Sandpiper Lake
From Fresno, take Highway 168 past Huntington Lake, then the narrow Kaiser Pass Road and Edison Lake Road to the Bear Ridge trailhead near the Edison Lake dam. Cross Bear Ridge to the John Muir Trail, follow Bear Creek upstream, ford it, and turn east at the junction toward Sandpiper Lake. From the lake's east shore, climb the sandy Class 2 northwest slope, starting through a short patch of thick brush, with talus and a few easy rock moves near the top. The steep east face drops sharply from the summit. The Bear Creek ford runs high early. Plan two or three days with a Sierra National Forest wilderness permit, reserved 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
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Seven Gables
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Seven Gables
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Seven Gables?
Seven Gables is 13,070 feet (3,983 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Seven Gables?
The Northwest Slope via Sandpiper Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 29 miles with 7,730 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Seven Gables?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northwest Slope via Sandpiper Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Seven Gables?
The Northwest Slope via Sandpiper Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 29 miles with 7,730 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 Seven Gables?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Seven Gables reaches 13,070 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 Seven Gables?
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 Seven Gables 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