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- The Thumb
13,392 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
The Thumb
The Thumb is a 13,392 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope: 17 mi, 7,685 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0
The Thumb at a glance
- Elevation13,392 ft4,081 m
- RouteSoutheast SlopeClass 2
- Distance17 mi7,685 ft gain
- Time13 – 15 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slope
From Big Pine, follow Glacier Lodge Road west and McMurry Meadows Road south to Birch Creek; the spur to the Birch Lake trailhead is rough 4WD, so many hikers park on the main road and walk up. The Birch Lake Trail climbs dry, sunny slopes high above the creek and fades into willow before the lake. Round the north shore, climb slab bands into the bowl beneath The Thumb, and follow the Class 2 southeast slope to the summit, keeping right of the false summit. The view of Middle Palisade is superb. Snow lingers into early summer, so carry an axe, and bring plenty of water.
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
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Dry conditions
Quests with The Thumb
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near The Thumb
Frequently asked questions
How tall is The Thumb?
The Thumb is 13,392 feet (4,081 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike The Thumb?
The Southeast Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 17 miles with 7,685 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike The Thumb?
Most people take 13 – 15 hours round trip on the Southeast Slope, covering 17 miles with 7,685 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike The Thumb?
The Southeast Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 17 miles with 7,685 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 The Thumb?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and The Thumb reaches 13,392 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 The Thumb?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb The Thumb 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