Sachse Monument

Overview

Sachse Monument is a granitoid peak located in the southeastern corner of the Emigrant Wilderness Area, just north of the Yosemite National Park boundary. The peak was named after Charlie Sachse, an early cattleman who mapped out routes in the Emigrant during the late 1800's.

Sachse Monument separates Maxwell Lake from the East Fork of Cherry Creek. It really resembles more of a ridge than a peak and it can be climbed with little effort from the Huckleberry Trail which crosses its NE shoulder.

The surrounding area is quite beautiful and remote, though there is a backcountry ranger cabin in nearby Horse Meadow. Maxwell Lake offers good camping and fishing and makes for an ideal basecamp, as does Huckleberry Lake.

The standard route begins from the Huckleberry Trail on the NE shoulder of Sachse Monument and is an easy class 2/3 scramble to the summit.

Getting There

Sachse Monument is in a very remote area and there are several possible trailheads from which to start. Selecting a trailhead will depend on the season and your overall itinerary.
1) From Kennedy Meadows Resort: Follow the Huckleberry Trail all the way to Maxwell Lake (14.5 miles). This is a great place to camp. Next, continue south on the Huckleberry trail for another .25 miles until you reach the apex of the saddle on the NE shoulder of Sachse Monument. The ascent begins here. (15 miles total)

2) From Leavitt Lake trailhead: 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, take the trail split to the SW that leads through Horse Meadow. You'll reach the Huckleberry trail at the far end of Horse Meadow. Take the trail split north towards Maxwell Lake until you reach the apex of the saddle on the NE shoulder of Sachse Monument. The ascent begins here. (17 miles total)

3) From Cherry Lake trailhead: Follow the Kibbie Ridge trail north and eventually towards the east past Lord Meadow and Huckleberry Lake until you reach the apex of the saddle on the NE shoulder of Sachse Monument. The ascent begins here. (24 miles total)

Red Tape

Wilderness Permit
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays in the Emigrant Wilderness Area. Depending on your point of entry and which direction you are coming from, call one of the following ranger stations for wilderness permits.

• Groveland Ranger Station - for Cherry Lake trailhead: (209) 962-7825
  
• Hetch Hetchy Entrance Station: (209) 372-0200
  
• Summit Ranger Station, for Sonora Pass trailheads: (209) 965-3434
  
• Bridgeport Ranger Station, for Sonora Pass trailheads: (760) 932-7070
  

Food Storage
If traveling through Yosemite, keep in mind that bear cannisters are required by federal law in most areas of Yosemite National Park. Click here for current information. They are not currently required in the Emigrant Wilderness Area.

Camping

There is excellent camping on the north sides of Maxwell Lake and Huckleberry Lake.

When To Climb

The climbing season varys each year depending on how much snow the area receives during the winter months. Hwy 108 closes during winter, making winter access more difficult. The distance of Sachse Monument from the nearest trailhead adds complexity to winter climbing. So typically the most popular time to climb the mountain is from June through October.

Mountain Conditions

Call any of the ranger stations listed above for current conditions.



Hwy 108 road conditions.

External Links

• Kennedy Meadows Resort
  Web site provides directions to the trailhead at Kennedy Meadows and rates for cabins and pack (horse) trips.
  
• Emigrant Wilderness Area
  Emigrant Wilderness website: USDA Forest Service, Stanislaus National Forest
  
• Yosemite National Park
  Yosemite National Park website.
  

Images

View Sachse Monument Image Gallery - 10 Images