12 peaks
California 14ers
What are the California 14ers?
California has 12 peaks above 14,000 feet that rise at least 300 feet above the saddle connecting them to a higher neighbor, the rule most lists use to define a separate summit. The Sierra Club's traditional list adds three more high points (Thunderbolt Peak, Polemonium Peak and Starlight Peak) for a total of 15. Most of the peaks are in the Sierra Nevada, with White Mountain Peak in the White Mountains to the east and Mount Shasta in the southern Cascades. Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the highest point in the contiguous United States.
California 14ers list
Mount Whitney
14,505 ft · California
Mount Williamson
14,379 ft · California
White Mountain Peak
14,252 ft · California
North Palisade
14,248 ft · California
Mount Shasta
14,179 ft · California
Mount Sill
14,159 ft · California
Mount Russell
14,094 ft · California
Split Mountain
14,064 ft · California
Mount Langley
14,032 ft · California
Mount Tyndall
14,019 ft · California
Mount Muir
14,018 ft · California
Middle Palisade
14,012 ft · California
Climbing California's highest peaks
The California 14ers are spread across remote high country, and several require long approaches or wilderness permits. Many climbers complete them over years, grouping nearby Palisade peaks and returning for the outliers like Shasta and White Mountain. Whether you follow the list of 12 or 15, Yak keeps track of the ones you have done.
Frequently asked questions
How many 14ers are in California?
California has 12 ranked 14ers or 15 by the Sierra Club's traditional count. The extra three are high points that do not meet the 300-foot prominence rule.
What is the highest 14er in California?
Mount Whitney is the highest at 14,505 feet. It is also the highest peak in the contiguous United States.
Where are the California 14ers?
Most are in the eastern Sierra Nevada. White Mountain Peak is in the White Mountains, and Mount Shasta is in the Cascade Range in northern California.
Which peaks are in the list of 15 but not 12?
Thunderbolt Peak, Polemonium Peak and Starlight Peak. They rise above 14,000 feet but sit close to higher neighbors.
Do you need a permit to climb California 14ers?
Many routes pass through wilderness areas that require permits for overnight trips, and Mount Whitney requires a permit even for day hikes on its main trail. Check the managing agency for each peak.
Is there an app to track the California 14ers?
Yes. Yak: Mountain Tracker is a free app for iPhone and Android that includes the California 14ers as a quest with all 12 peaks. Mark each peak as climbed, log the date with notes and photos, plan the peaks you have left and see how close you are to finishing the list.
What is the easiest California 14er?
White Mountain Peak is usually called the easiest. Its route follows a closed dirt road for about 14 miles round trip with no scrambling. Mount Whitney is also non-technical on its main trail, but it is long and needs a permit.
What is the hardest California 14er?
Thunderbolt Peak in the Palisades is usually rated the hardest, because its summit block needs a roped climb. Other Palisades peaks such as North Palisade also involve exposed Class 4 terrain.
Track your California 14ers
Log each peak as you climb it, whether you're after 12 or 15.