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7,712 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Tehipite Dome

Tehipite Dome is a 7,712 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Ridge: 27 mi, 8,480 ft of gain, Class 3.

Tehipite Dome in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Kurt Minard, CC BY-SA 3.0

Tehipite Dome at a glance

  • Elevation7,712 ft2,350 m
  • RouteNorth RidgeClass 3
  • Distance27 mi8,480 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Ridge

From Shaver Lake on Highway 168, take Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road past Wishon Reservoir to the Rancheria trailhead, the last miles on dirt that cars can handle. Follow signed trails toward Crown Valley and across Crown Creek, a risky ford in spring runoff, then traverse cross-country to Kettle Ridge. The North Ridge is Class 2 with a Class 3 summit block: skirt a large boulder, then make one exposed step onto a sloping slab before an easy walk to the top. Some parties bring a short rope. A Sierra National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips; reserve on Recreation.gov.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Stream crossing
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Remote location

Quests with Tehipite Dome

Peaks near Tehipite Dome

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 19.1 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 19.6 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 20.1 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 21.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Tehipite Dome?

Tehipite Dome is 7,712 feet (2,350 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Tehipite Dome?

The North Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 8,480 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Tehipite Dome?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Tehipite Dome dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Tehipite Dome?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the North Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Tehipite Dome?

The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Tehipite Dome 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