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- State Peak
12,621 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
State Peak
State Peak is a 12,621 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Face Chutes: 37 mi, 9,025 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
State Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,621 ft3,846 m
- RouteSouthwest Face ChutesClass 2
- Distance37 mi9,025 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Face Chutes
From Fresno, follow Highway 180 to Roads End in Kings Canyon; the road past Grant Grove closes in winter. The Copper Creek Trail climbs steeply to Granite Basin and over Granite Pass, then follows Dougherty Creek to State Lakes. Head cross-country toward the lake east of the peak and take the Class 2 chutes on the left side of the southwest face to the summit ridge. Few people make this long trip, and the lower switchbacks are hot. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required for the overnight trip; reserve on Recreation.gov 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
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
Quests with State Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near State Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is State Peak?
State Peak is 12,621 feet (3,846 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike State Peak?
The Southwest Face Chutes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 9,025 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb State Peak?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Face Chutes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike State Peak?
The Southwest Face Chutes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 37 miles with 9,025 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 State Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and State Peak reaches 12,621 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 State 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 State 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