Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
Overview
Mt. Pickering is a California Thirteener about 2.5 miles west of Mt. Langley, across the upper Rock Creek drainage from the Sierra Crest.“Edward Charles Pickering (1846-1919), physicist and astronomer. He was the founder and president of the American Astronomical Society, and director of the Harvard University observatory for 42 years. He was recognized as the dean of astronomical research in America. The name was suggested by the Sierra Club, and approved by a BGN decision in 1940.”
- Peter Browning, Place Names of the Sierra Nevada
Getting There
The most straightforward approach is via New Army Pass, the standard route on Mt. Langley.Mt. Pickering is easily climbed along with Joe Devel Peak. Please see that peak’s description for an approach putting you in position for summiting both.
I highly recommend R. J. Secor’s The High Sierra, Peaks Passes & Trails (now in its third edition). This is the definitive climbing guide to the Sierra and was the source for many of the details on my SummitPost pages.
Red Tape
Like most places in the Sierra, you need a Wilderness Permit for overnight camping in the summer. See the Mt. Langley page for details.Detailed information on permits, regulations and trailhead access can be found on Matthew Holliman’s excellent Eastern Sierra logistics page.
Camping
As for Joe Devel Peak, I recommend camping at High Lake (below New Army Pass) and then at Upper Soldier Lake (south of The Major General). See the Joe Devel Peak page for more details.Images
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