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- Three Sisters
10,615 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Three Sisters
Three Sisters is a 10,615 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Face via Cliff Lake: 14 mi, 2,720 ft of gain, Class 2.
Three Sisters at a glance
- Elevation10,615 ft3,235 m
- RouteEast Face via Cliff LakeClass 2
- Distance14 mi2,720 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Face via Cliff Lake
From Shaver Lake, take Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road to Courtright Reservoir, then drive the west shore road past Trapper Springs Campground to the Cliff Lake trailhead at road's end. The gentle Cliff Lake Trail enters the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness and reaches the lake in under five miles. Cross the outlet, climb the open slopes above the cliffs, and finish up the steeper east face on Class 2 rock to the highest of the three summits, with views across to the Goddard Divide. Mosquitoes are heavy in early summer. It makes a good half day, and the lake is a fine place to camp.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Insects
- Route-finding difficulty
- Storms
Quests with Three Sisters
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Three Sisters?
Three Sisters is 10,615 feet (3,235 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Three Sisters?
The East Face via Cliff Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 2,720 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Three Sisters?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the East Face via Cliff Lake, covering 14 miles with 2,720 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Three Sisters?
The East Face via Cliff Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 2,720 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Three Sisters?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Three Sisters?
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 Three Sisters 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