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13,604 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

University Peak

University Peak is a 13,604 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Face via Matlock Lake: 7 mi, 4,690 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
University Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Marty B, CC BY-SA 2.0

University Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,604 ft4,146 m
  • RouteNorth Face via Matlock LakeClass 2
  • Distance7 mi4,690 ft gain
  • Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Face via Matlock Lake

From Independence on US 395, drive Onion Valley Road (Market Street) about 13 miles west to the Onion Valley trailhead at the road's end. Hike the Kearsarge Pass Trail to Gilbert Lake, take the side trail toward Matlock Lake, then go cross-country southwest past Bench Lake to the small lake below the north face. A Class 2 rib and talus slopes lead to the summit ridge; drop to the easier side whenever the crest gets sharp. Snow lingers in the upper chutes into July, so carry an axe early in the season. Expect loose scree on the descent and afternoon storms, and start at first light.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • High altitude
  • Storms

Quests with University Peak

Peaks near University Peak

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 6.5 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 7.0 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 11.6 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 12.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is University Peak?

University Peak is 13,604 feet (4,146 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike University Peak?

The North Face via Matlock Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 4,690 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike University Peak?

Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the North Face via Matlock Lake, covering 7 miles with 4,690 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike University Peak?

The North Face via Matlock Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 4,690 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 University Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and University Peak reaches 13,604 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking University Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike University 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 University 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

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