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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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38.16230°N / 119.6254°W |
Route Type:
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Hike |
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Time Required:
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Two days |
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Difficulty:
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Walk-up |
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Approach
Quartzite Peak is located in the remote western region of the Emigrant Wilderness Area and straddles the boundary of Yosemite National Park. It can be easily tied in with climbs of other nearby peaks and reached from several different trailheads depending on your plans. Trailhead options are listed below.
1) Leavitt Meadows Pack Station is located on CA Hwy 108, just west of I-395. Free parking is available in the trailhead parking area near the campground, north of the pack station. You can hike the 18 miles to Bond Pass, or have Leavitt Meadows Pack Station drop you off on horse back. Rates for horses are available on their web site*.
Follow the West Walker River trail south until you reach the Cascade Creek trail. Follow the Cascade Creek trail until it joins the PCT. Stay on the PCT until you get to the signed junction of the Bond Pass Trail. Head west until you reach Bond Pass.
2) Kennedy Meadows Resort is located off of CA Highway 108, just west of the Sonora Pass. The trailhead is located at the end of the parking area for the Kennedy Meadows Resort. Overnight parking at the resort lot is $5/night and can be paid at the resort lobby. Alternatively, free parking is available at the signed forest service "trailhead" parking lot, which is located about 3/4 mile from the trailhead.
Kennedy Meadows also operates a pack (horse) station. They will let you park overnight for free (and shower for free upon return) if you pack in with them one-way*. They also have rental cabins, a supply store, small restaurant and saloon.
Follow the Huckleberry Trail past Relief Reservoir, then take the trail split to Brown Bear Pass. Continue on this trail all the way to Bond Pass. (18.5 miles total)
3) The Leavitt Lake trailhead is only accessible with an SUV with high clearance and 4-wheel drive. Leavitt Lake road is located 3.8 miles east of the Sonora Pass off of CA Hwy 108. It's 3 miles to Leavitt Lake over very rough terrain and a couple of stream crossings. Free parking is available on the north side of the lake. Follow the Leavitt Pass trail south, up and over Big Sam, for 10 miles until you reach Emigrant Pass. Take the trail split to the south. Near Grizzly Meadow, you can take 1 of 2 routes that lead to Bond Pass. The Bond Pass High trial is a bit more scenic. Or you can take the trail that borders Summit Meadow. (13 .5 miles total)
* Call well in advance to reserve horse and guide if you decide to pack in with either one of the pack stations.
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Route Description
Follow the old mining road from Bond Pass as it gradually ascends to the summit of Quartzite Peak. The road splits after a gain of 400 ft. The NW road leads to the sloping ridge that overlooks Snow Lake. The SE road leads to the actual summit. The route from Bond Pass is about 1.75 miles with a gain of 600 ft.
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Essential Gear
No special equipment is needed for this climb during the summer other than for overnight backcountry camping.
Miscellaneous Info
If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.