California Fourteeners Climbs

Overview

We've put together a list of the fifteen peaks in California that break the fourteen thousand foot barrier. Climbing routes on these peaks are varied and cater to a wide variety of interests and abilities. Each peak affords stunning views of the beautiful landscapes of California, and only two (Mt Shasta and White Mountain Peak) lie outside the Sierra Range.

AAI runs privately guided climbs on many of these peaks. To register, click the button to the right or call our office at 360-671-1505 for more information.

View of Mt Whitney on an early morning ascent. AAI Collection.

Mount Whitney, 14,505’

Mt. Whitney is the highest summit in the lower 48 states and one of the most awe-inspiring peaks in America. In addition to altitude, it offers outstanding granite, remarkable views, and multiple climbing options. Ascents range from moderate scrambling to snow and mixed alpine climbing to technical rock. Among other superlatives, Mt. Whitney can brag of perhaps the best technical rock climb in the United States - the ultra-classic East Buttress. We climb this peak throughout the year. Click on the link for more information on
Mt. Whitney Climb and Public Course dates.

Mount Williamson, 14,379’

Formerly closed to climbing much of the year because of its location in the California Bighorn Sheep Zoological Area, this peak is now open to climbing year-round. Though not technically difficult, climbing this peak is a serious endeavor because of its remoteness and wilderness nature. Due to the long approach, ascents are often combined with a romp up the neighboring fourteener, Mount Tyndall.

White Mountain Peak, 14,252’

This summit is the crown of the White Mountains, a range of desert peaks that forms the dramatic eastern wall of The Owens Valley. Since the easiest way up this peak is a walking trail, many climbers make the ascent as part of a more challenging undertaking - the White Mountains Traverse. This remote, high-altitude route takes us from Boundary Peak (13,146' - the highest point in Nevada) along a high ridge to the summit of White Mountain Peak.

View of the Palisade Traverse, including Polemonium Peak, North Palisade, Starlight Peak, and Thunderbolt Peak from Gayley Camp. Ian McEleney.

North Palisade, 14,248’

Standing high above the Palisade Glacier, the largest glacier in the Sierra, North Palisade features one of the most classic alpine ice routes in the range, the U-Notch Couloir. The west side of the peak can also be climbed via fun 4^th class scrambling on the LeConte Route. Tricky route finding turns some parties back, but our guides know the way. We often climb North Palisade as part of our Sierra Mountaineering course. We also tag this summit on the Palisade Traverse.

Starlight Peak, 14,226’

This is the twin summit of North Palisade. Its summit block, known as The Milkbottle, is a 30 foot granite spire with a tiny top and is an excellent spot for photos. Though usually climbed in conjunction with other peaks as part of the Palisade Traverse, we can also get to this summit on its own from the east via Starlight Buttress (5.5) or from the west via a camp in lovely and remote Palisade Basin.

Mount Shasta, 14,179’

One of two California Fourteeners outside of the Sierra Nevada, Mount Shasta is the southernmost major volcano in the Cascade range (with the exception of the relatively minor Lassen peak). This peak draws aspiring climbers from all over, as its glaciated bulk is visible from Interstate 5. Though it can be climbed year-round and from any aspect, those in the know often choose one of the peak’s snow and ice routes in the late spring.

Looking at Mt Sill. Ian McEleney.

Mount Sill, 14,159’

Mt. Sill is one of the Sierra giants, and it rises to its imposing 14,159-foot summit in the heart of the Palisades, one of the most spectacular alpine cirques in North America. Climbers have several options on this peak, but all involve crossing the Palisade Glacier. The Swiss Arête is a route much admired for its purity of line, spectacular location, and quality of rock. This route is often climbed as part of our Sierra Mountaineering course. The North Face varies by the season but involves some rock scrambling and possibly mixed snow and rock climbing.

Polemonium Peak, 14,106

This peak is named after Polemonium Eximium (the common name is Sky Pilot) a beautiful flower unique to the Sierra Nevada that grows between 9,000 and 14,000. While often climbed in combination with its neighbors Mount Sill and North Palisade or on the Palisade Traverse, this mountain is also home to one of the more classic alpine ice routes in the range, the V-Notch Couloir.

View from the Fishhook Arete. AAI Collection.

Mount Russell, 14,094’

Mount Russell is one of the finest climbers’ peaks in the High Sierra and would be far more popular if it was not a neighbor to Mount Whitney. The East Ridge is the standard route on the peak. High quality rock and thrilling exposure make it one of the finest 3^rd class routes in the country. Experienced rock climbers should consider the Fishhook Arete. This striking feature has two pitches of 5.9, mixed in with mostly 5.7-5.8 climbing in a spectacular position.

Split Mountain, 14,064’

Split Mountain is one of several fourteeners that form the western rampart of The Owens Valley. This dramatic looking peak is made up of two differently colored types of granite. The standard route begins at Red Lake and climbs the peak from the east on 3rd class terrain. This mountain is also home to two classic but ephemeral Sierra ice routes.

Mount Langley, 14,032'

This is the southernmost fourteener in California. It’s also one of the easiest fourteeners to climb, which makes it a great introduction to wilderness travel. The New Army Pass route is a walk-up, while the north and south faces provide excellent technical rock climbing.

Mount Tyndall, 14,025'

First climbed in 1864 by surveyors who thought they were climbing Mount Whitney, this peak features technical rock climbs on the east face and a scrambling route on its north side. As the approach is long, most climbers choose to combine a climb of this peak with one of nearby Mount Williamson. Both can be climbed from a high camp near Shepherd's Pass. Because of its remote nature a trip up Tyndall is strenuous, though not technically difficult.

Mount Muir, 14,018'

Mount Muir sits just south of Mt. Whitney and about an hour from the summit of Whitney on the hikers trail. There’s also a 4^{th class-easy} 5^th class route that climbs the east face. That route is also approached from the trail. Mount Muir is a good side trip for those who have more energy than the average Whitney hiker.

Enjoying a perfect Sierra day on Middle Palisade. Ian McEleney.

Middle Palisade, 14,018'

Located in the heart of the Palisade region, we climb this peak via its East Face. We begin the approach to the peak on a trail that takes us into the Palisade backcountry and then leave the trail to arrive at one of several scenic camps. From camp we cross a small glacier to access the peak. The climb itself is a thrilling 1,200 feet of 3rd and 4th class rock to the summit blocks.

Thunderbolt Peak, 14,009

The last California Fourteener to be climbed, this peak offers climbers several alternatives, including a long aesthetic ridge climb and several alpine couloirs, but all wind up at the summit block. We top out via either a 5.9 boulder problem or a rope trick. Ascents of this peak can be combined with others in the Palisade region, including Starlight, North Palisade, or Polemonium. We also climb this peak on the Palisade Traverse.

Want to know more? Give us a call or email us at [email protected]. We're happy to help!

California Fourteeners Climbs

Details and Pricing

Prerequisites

Hiking or backpacking experience is required, but specific skill level varies considerably with peak and route.
Good physical fitness and endurance.
Contact us for more details.

Pricing and Ratios

Fees are based on the ratio of climbers to guide. Routes are broken down to five levels: Non-technical, Moderate, Intermediate, Difficult and Very Difficult. Each technical level has a maximum ratio, but you are free to choose a lower ratio or to climb privately if you prefer.

Maximum Ratio: Varies by peak.

Private pricing applies. See our Private Guided Alpine Climbing in the Sierra Nevada for further details.

Program Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions:

Guide fees
All group technical climbing equipment
Permit and access fees

Exclusions:

Personal equipment such as clothing, boots, personal climbing gear (e.g. harness, helmet), sleeping bag, tent, etc. Personal climbing and camping gear is available for rent at a nominal charge.
Transportation to the program's meeting location and during the program. We ask that you provide transportation for your guide from the point of rendezvous, and if there are other climbers in your program we encourage you to carpool.
Lodging costs (if any)
Meals and food during the course
Fees for changing air itineraries because of canceled or delayed programs
Gratuities to guides
Personal health, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance

Climbing Seasons in the Sierra

Alpine Rock Climbing and Mountaineering: April - October
Winter Ascents and Ski Touring: December - May

Rental Equipment

For beginners and other climbers who do not have their own personal climbing equipment, we offer rental equipment. (Not all these items are required on all Fourteeners.) The following items are available to rent in the Sierra:

helmets
harnesses
ice axes
crampons
ice tools
tents
avalanche gear (beacon/probe/shovel)
cooking gear (stove/pot/fuel)
snowshoes
backpacks

Please note: We do not rent boots, sleeping bags or sleeping pads in the Sierra; your best option if you need this gear for your course is to contact Wilson's East Side Sports in Bishop, CA, or Mammoth Mountaineering in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Regardless of what you need, please be sure to alert all parties of your rental needs as soon as possible.

Getting There

For most climbs in the High Sierra, many climbers will fly into Reno, NV, where there are numerous inexpensive flights from all over the U.S. If arriving in the summer months, May through October, renting a 2 wheel drive vehicle is fine. The drive from Reno to Mammoth is about 3 hours in the summer.