- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- South Guard
13,239 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
South Guard
South Guard is a 13,239 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slopes via Sphinx Col: 30 mi, 10,604 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Will Keightley, CC BY-SA 3.0
South Guard at a glance
- Elevation13,239 ft4,035 m
- RouteNorth Slopes via Sphinx ColClass 2
- Distance30 mi10,604 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slopes via Sphinx Col
From Fresno, drive CA 180 past Grant Grove and Cedar Grove to Roads End, open roughly late April to mid-November. Take the Bubbs Creek Trail, turn onto the Avalanche Pass trail and climb to Sphinx Creek, then go cross-country to the Sphinx Lakes and Sphinx Col. Pass west and south of Mount Brewer to the lakes below it and climb a broad Class 2 chute of scree and slab to the saddle north of the summit. Brewer and North Guard are often added. Bear canisters are required. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required; reserve 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
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Storms
- Snow near summit
Quests with South Guard
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near South Guard
Frequently asked questions
How tall is South Guard?
South Guard is 13,239 feet (4,035 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike South Guard?
The North Slopes via Sphinx Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 30 miles with 10,604 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb South Guard?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the North Slopes via Sphinx Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike South Guard?
The North Slopes via Sphinx Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 30 miles with 10,604 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 South Guard?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and South Guard reaches 13,239 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 South Guard?
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 South Guard 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