From the intersection of US 395 and CA 108, drive west on CA 108 approximately 10 miles to the 8450 elevation. There is a turnoff to the left. Take the 4wd road about 3 miles to Leavitt Lake. Park there, and jump on the trail/jeep road that heads to the prominent saddle east-south-east of the lake. You will eventually pass by a Forest Service gate.

Route Description

Hike up to the saddle on an excellent trail to the 10600 elevation contour. You will meet a trail that runs along the ridge. Turn right (west) and hike about a half-mile to the PCT intersection. Follow the PCT for another two miles as it snakes along the top of the ridge. It will pass directly east of Leavitt Peak, well above steep slopes dropping down to Latopie Lake. When you get to the north east ridge, turn left and follow a prominent use trail to the summit.

Essential Gear

Recommend ice axe and crampons for early season.

Miscellaneous Info

Is this a great route? Actually, it's more than just a trail and scree slog. Althoough not a destination hike, the setting is stunning and you will rarely see another soul. Leavitt Lake is ringed by vertical walls, and is especially magnificent in the autumn just before the snow flies. It's one of the handful of alpine lakes in the Sierra that can be accessed by vehicle, and probably the least crowded.

For those camping at Leavitt Lake, or for folks in the area who are looking to build up their lungpower, this is a great conditioning hike/run. It's also an easy tag if you are hiking the PCT.

Leavitt Peak straddles two mountain worlds--the legendary High Sierra and the "Bonanza country" of the Sierra Nevada centered around Lake Tahoe. It's higher than anything to the north, and the next highest peak to the south is Tower. The vistas are therefore awesome. From the summit of Leavitt, Tower Peak looms high and cold, and Matterhorn Peak and the Sawtooth Ridge are also prominent, as is the massive granite face of the Incredible Hulk!