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11,899 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Tunemah Peak

Tunemah Peak is an 11,899 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge via Dykeman Pass: 48 mi, 10,075 ft of gain, Class 2.

Tunemah Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,899 ft3,626 m
  • RouteWest Ridge via Dykeman PassClass 2
  • Distance48 mi10,075 ft gain
  • Time4 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Ridge via Dykeman Pass

From Fresno, take Highway 168 to Shaver Lake, then Dinkey Creek and McKinley Grove Roads to Wishon Reservoir and the Crown Valley trailhead. Follow the Crown Valley Trail and the faint, unmaintained Blue Canyon trail into Blue Canyon, then go cross-country up the drainage and over Dykeman Pass. Drop to Alpine Creek and grind up the class 2 west ridge on loose scree, sand and scrub pine. It is among the most remote summits in California, and the approach takes steady navigation. Most parties add Finger Peak. A Sierra National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve 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
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Loose rock
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Tunemah Peak

Peaks near Tunemah Peak

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 11.8 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 12.4 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 13.2 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 14.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Tunemah Peak?

Tunemah Peak is 11,899 feet (3,626 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Tunemah Peak?

The West Ridge via Dykeman Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 48 miles with 10,075 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Tunemah Peak?

Most climbers plan 4 – 5 days for the West Ridge via Dykeman Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Tunemah Peak?

The West Ridge via Dykeman Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 48 miles with 10,075 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

When is the best time to hike Tunemah 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 Tunemah 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