Golden Trout Wilderness
Overview
Peak 12,320+, unofficially named “Bullfrog Peak”, lies on the Great Western Divide and is the first peak south of Florence Peak along that range. In height, “Bullfrog Peak” is relatively significant for this region- it is a mere 100 feet or so lower than Florence Peak. In appearance, though, it is somewhat lacking. There certainly isn't anything that will attract technical climbers; the peak appears to be mostly rubble on every side. However, the region is very scenic and cross country travel is relatively easy. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from the more demanding peaks found in other parts of the range. From the Northeast |  Summit Ridge |
There are few, if any, peaks in the Sierra Nevada that rise above timberline and have a bad view. “Bullfrog Peak” is no exception. In fact, in every direction except to the north, the view is probably nearly identical as that of Florence Peak. The view north from “Bullfrog Peak” is Florence Peak. Unfortunately, not the best side of Florence. Just more rubble. But the rest of the panorama sweeps around from the impressive Kaweahs to the northeast, the Mount Whitney region to the east, and the vast forested Kern River drainage to the south. A clear day will likely reveal the Tehachapi Mountains in the far southwest. To the northwest is the zone where Central Valley smog meets the surprisingly abrupt western escarpment of this part of the Sierra Nevada.
 Northeast to Kaweahs |  East to Sierra Crest |
The top of the mountain consists of a high point at each end of the north/south trending summit ridge. Curiously, the north summit has been designated as having an elevation of 12,323 feet even though the south summit is obviously the high point if one is on the summit ridge. I'm not sure if the map makers misplaced this spot elevation, or if the surveyors needed an accurate measurement of the lower north peak for some unknown reason. I suppose few will care about this issue on such an unimportant peak.
 View Northwest |  Summit Ridge and Florence Peak |
“Bullfrog Peak” has a prominence of about 680 feet.
Getting There
The closest trailhead is in Mineral King. Total Round Trip: About 14 miles for the most direct route up the mountain. There's an elevation gain of about 5,100 feet.
Approach Route
From US 99 drive east on SR 198 about 39 miles to the junction with Mineral King Road. Continue on Mineral King Road about 24 miles to the Mineral King area. Note that Mineral King Road is closed during the winter months.
 Farewell Gap |  Shotgun Pass |
Follow the trail south for about 5 miles to the top of Farewell Gap (10,600 feet). There's an elevation gain of about 2500 feet along this section to the top of the pass. From Farewell Gap, “Bullfrog Peak” is the prominent mountain rising toward the southeast. It may be desirable to traverse from the pass across to the lip of the basin containing Bullfrog Lakes. This appears to be the most direct route to the mountain.
 Silver Lake |  Peak 12362 from Shotgun Pass |
Routes
Suggested Routes
This peak seems to be class 2 from nearly every direction. It is an especially quick and easy scramble from the Shotgun Pass area. There may be class 3 or even class 4 routes on the face that rises above Bullfrog Lakes basin. The easiest route from Bullfrog Lakes appears to be the rounded talus covered west ridge which should be accessible from the lip of the basin. The north ridge, which connects “Bullfrog Peak” with Florence Peak looks like it may be class 2 with a bit of class 3 here and there.
 "Bullfrog Peak" from Shotgun Pass. |  South Face of Florence Peak |
In addition to climbing “Bullfrog”, one may want to consider taking a little extra time to climb “Peak 12,280+” just to the southeast. Although slightly lower than “Bullfrog”, it appears a bit more striking in appearance. The ridge that connects this peak with “Bullfrog” looks like easy class 2. I regret that I didn't tag this peak as well.
 Peak 12280+ |  Peak 12280+ from North |
Peak 12280+ from "Bullfrog Peak"
When To Climb
This peak can be climbed year round, though most will want to visit in the summer months when Mineral King Road is open. A winter climb would entail a significantly longer approach of dozens of extra miles.Red Tape
“Bullfrog Peak” lies on the boundary of Sequoia National Park (to the northeast) and the Golden Trout Wilderness region of Sequoia National Forest (to the west and south).An online entry fee schedule for Sequoia National Park is here:
Entry Fees
Wilderness Permits are required for all overnight trips within both Sequoia National Park and Golden Trout Wilderness. Permits are not required for day hikes. Permits may be obtained at the Mineral King Ranger Station. Online applications and permit info is here:
Sequoia National Park
Golden Trout Wilderness (Sequoia National Forest)
Note that a permit obtained in one agency is honored by other neighboring agencies. Your Sequoia NP permit will be valid in Golden Trout Wilderness and vise versa.
Camping
In general, camping is permitted throughout this region with a few exceptions:- No camping within 2 miles of any trailhead.
- For the Farewell Gap Trail, camping is not permitted until Farewell Junction- approximately 3.4 miles from the trailhead
- Use established campsites.
- Camp at least 100 feet from streams and other water sources.
This region is home to large populations of bears. Park approved bear resistant food storage containers are strongly recommended, but they are not required. Nevertheless, proper food storage is mandatory. This also applies to any vehicles left in hiker parking areas. Here's a page that has excellent information on bears and food storage: Bear Wild
Old Method
Campfires are permitted below 10,000 feet in Sequoia National Park. In Golden Trout Wilderness, they are “discouraged” above 9,000 feet.
Etymology
The name originates from a film can register left by Andy Smatko in 1982. The name was undoubtedly derived from the mountain's proximity to Bullfrog Lakes located just to the northwest.
Lower Bullfrog Lake
Additions and Corrections
[ Post an Addition or Correction ]
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| Bob Burd | elevation | |
Voted 10/10 | The latest version of the 7.5' topo has this peak with a spot elevation of 12,323ft. | |
| Posted Nov 26, 2012 3:48 pm | ||
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| boyblue | Re: elevation | |
Hasn't voted | The editions that I've seen- from various online sources- show the spot elevation placed on the north summit. Are you saying that the latest version has moved the spot elevation to the south summit (the actual high point)? If so, I'll make the correction. Thanks, Bob. | |
| Posted Nov 26, 2012 4:39 pm | ||
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| Bob Burd | Re: elevation | |
Voted 10/10 | I didn't realize the highpoint wasn't the spot elevation. Maybe it could most accurately be called 12,323ft+ ? (Of course that looks a bit odd since it's not the normal thing one might expect). What you have currently is fine, too. | |
| Posted Nov 27, 2012 8:51 pm | ||
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| boyblue | Re: elevation | |
Hasn't voted | This was a bit of a dilemma that I faced as I created this page and in the end decided to adhere strictly to what's shown on the map. I did address this issue- probably clumsily- in the third paragraph of the 'Overview' section of the page. Interestingly, the old 15' edition also has a spot elevation on the north summit as 12270', but the actual highpoint, to the south, is a closed contour circle at 12240'. If you make it to this peak next summer, take a reading on your GPS and let me know what it says. If it's reasonable, then maybe we can use it here. :-) | |
| Posted Nov 27, 2012 11:57 pm | ||
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| Bob Burd | Re: elevation | |
Voted 10/10 | Naw, it wasn't clumsy at all. I simply didn't read it through the first time. I'll let you know what I "discover" when I pay a visit. :-) | |
| Posted Nov 28, 2012 1:09 pm | ||
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