LEAVITT PEAK (11,570') CLASS 1
Location: 3 miles SSW of Sonora Pass
ROUTE A
Drive: Take Highway 108 to the developed, paved, parking and
picnic area 0.1 mile west of the sign, "Sonora Pass."
A restroom is located here. One may also park on the shoulder
near the pass.
Climb: Take the use trail from the developed parking area a few
hundred feet to Sonora Pass. Cross the highway and take the signed
PCT that heads south, climbing up the trail a short way to the
"Welcome" board where the trail descends briefly. One
may either continue on the PCT, or head right up a steep, slippery,
class 2 use trail which heads straight up the ridge and re-intersects
the PCT after it makes a long switchback. This shortcut saves
maybe a half-mile of hiking. About 500 feet higher, where the
two trails connect, the PCT takes a long traverse along the west
side of the crest. The peak becomes apparent here as the high,
dome-shaped mass ahead on the left, far skyline to the right of
the Sierra Crest, with its steep chutes, permanent snowfields,
and cliffs on its north side. After crossing to the east side
of the Sierra Crest, the trail drops about 100 feet, and then
climbs back up to a saddle. The trail contours above Latopie Lake,
and begins to climb up to the east ridge of the peak. Head cross-country
right (west) to locate a good use trail which follows the east
ridge up to the left (south) of the summit, and then shortly right
(north) to the summit plateau. The highpoint is indistinct; look
for a small cairn and register.
WINTER SKI ASCENT: See Stanislaus Peak, Winter Ski Ascent.
TRIP STATS: Route A, 2,200 feet gain with an additional 200 feet gain on the return, 5 miles one way.
Notes: Another possible
route to climb the peak ascends from Leavitt Lake, which is reached
by a 4WD road from Highway 108. A trail ascends to the PCT which
is then followed north to intersect Route A at the east ridge
of the peak.
In the spring, when the highway is opened, a classic ski run
can be made from the summit. Ski down the large bowl to the west
of the highpoint into the Blue Canyon drainage, hitting Highway
108 at about the 8,500 foot elevation, just after crossing a large
creek. There are some hairpin turns on the highway here, with
shoulders on the north side to park on, near the embankment above
the creek.
Back to Northern Sierra Peaks Home Page