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11,730 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Whaleback

Whaleback is an 11,730 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Ridge from Colby Canyon: 48 mi, 9,075 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Whaleback at a glance

  • Elevation11,730 ft3,575 m
  • RouteNorth Ridge from Colby CanyonClass 3
  • Distance48 mi9,075 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Ridge from Colby Canyon

From Grant Grove on CA 180, follow the Generals Highway and Big Meadows Road (FS 14S11) to the rough FS 13S12 spur and the Marvin Pass trailhead. Hike over Marvin Pass, down Sugarloaf Creek to the Roaring River ranger station, and up Cloud Canyon to the Colby Pass trail junction. Climb toward Colby Pass, leave the trail, contour up the east flank to the crest just north of the summit, and follow the narrow Class 3 ridge south to the top. Expect long sandy trail miles and cold fords early in the season. Plan three or four days. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Knife-edge ridge
  • Stream crossing
  • Loose rock
  • Storms

Quests with Whaleback

Peaks near Whaleback

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 10.9 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 12.4 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 13.6 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 13.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Whaleback?

Whaleback is 11,730 feet (3,575 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Whaleback?

The North Ridge from Colby Canyon is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 48 miles with 9,075 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Whaleback?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the North Ridge from Colby Canyon, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Whaleback dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Whaleback?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the North Ridge from Colby Canyon, so a helmet is on the gear list.

When is the best time to climb Whaleback?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Whaleback 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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