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- Triple Divide Peak
12,635 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Triple Divide Peak
Triple Divide Peak is a 12,635 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge from Lion Lake Pass: 38 mi, 9,775 ft of gain, Class 2.
Triple Divide Peak at a glance
- Elevation12,635 ft3,851 m
- RouteWest Ridge from Lion Lake PassClass 2
- Distance38 mi9,775 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Ridge from Lion Lake Pass
From Three Rivers, drive CA 198 (Generals Highway) into Sequoia National Park and turn onto Wolverton Road about two miles south of Lodgepole. Take the Alta Trail over Panther Gap, drop to the High Sierra Trail, then use the Over-the-Hill and Elizabeth Pass trails to Lion Creek, Tamarack Lake and Lion Lake. From Lion Lake Pass, follow the West Ridge on its north side across loose Class 2 chutes to the summit. Storms build over the Great Western Divide on summer afternoons. Plan three to four days. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required, reservable on Recreation.gov up to six 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
- Storms
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Triple Divide Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Triple Divide Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Triple Divide Peak?
Triple Divide Peak is 12,635 feet (3,851 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Triple Divide Peak?
The West Ridge from Lion Lake Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 38 miles with 9,775 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Triple Divide Peak?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the West Ridge from Lion Lake Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Triple Divide Peak?
The West Ridge from Lion Lake Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 38 miles with 9,775 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 Triple Divide Peak?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Triple Divide Peak reaches 12,635 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 Triple Divide 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 Triple Divide 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