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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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38.19200°N / 119.62°W |
Route Type:
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Hike / Scramble |
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Time Required:
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Two days |
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Difficulty:
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Class II |
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Approach
Grizzly Peak is located in the remote western region of the Emigrant Wilderness Area on the boundary of the Hoover Wilderness Area. 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) 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 past Emigrant Meadow Lake and Grizzly Peak Lakes until you reach Grizzly Peak. (17 miles total)
2) 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 to Grizzly Peak, or have Leavitt Meadows Pack Station drop you off on horse back. Rates are available on their web site*.
Follow the West Walker River trail south 7.2 miles until you reach the signed junction of Fremont Lake. Branch west onto the Fremont Lake trail and stay on it for 6 miles until you reach South Long Lake. Take the Emigrant Pass trail for another 5 miles. Grizzly Peak will come into view to the south. (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. Grizzly Peak is just another mile to the south. (11 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
There are many easy routes to the summit. You can follow the vertical rut all the way to the top of the eastern peak. The rut separates gray ash on the right from the light brown volcanic rock scree on the left in this photo. Aim for the arch near the summit.
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Essential Gear
No special equipment is needed 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.