Three Sisters

Overview

Three Sisters is nestled in the Sierra National Forest northwest of Courtright Reservoir. While Three Sisters isn't much to look at, the summit views are terrific - especially considering the easy access and quick ascent.

Oddly, few people seem to get to Three Sisters - perhaps due to the drive time required to get to the area trailheads. Whatever the case, it is well worth the trip for a day outing (which could be extended nicely by tagging the surrounding peaks).  

Getting to Three Sisters can be achieved via a number of trailheads in the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness area. Many hikers en route to Three Sisters hike into Cliff Lake (a gem of a destination in itself) and then travel cross country to the summit.

Its charm and beauty come from the views of the surrounding lakes, easy terrain, and unfettered access.

Getting There

While there are several trailheads, the most convenient seems to be the Cliff Lake trailhead which is located on the northwest side of Courtright Reservoir. Have a look at the fine Courtright Reservoir Logistical Center Page for further information.

From the trailhead to the summit is a little over seven miles one way. The last 1.5 to 2.0 miles is off-trail.

Once at Cliff Lake, start the XC approach from the south end of the lake and follow the gentle slopes to gain access to the west side of the lake (above the cliffs). The peak itself will be within view the majority of the time. Navigating northwest will bring you the northeast ridge which provides easy scrambling to the summit.

Red Tape

Have a look at the fine Courtright Reservoir Logistical Center Page for further information.

Since the peak is located within the national forest, much red tape is eliminated which can be attractive for a "last-minute" outing.

External Links

A day outing to meet the sisters

Additions and CorrectionsPost an Addition or Correction

Viewing: 1-5 of 5

tarol - Dec 4, 2006 7:01 pm - Hasn't voted

Lat/Long

Make that -119.06105 degrees west, otherwise good page

SJD - Dec 6, 2006 4:22 am - Hasn't voted

Re: Lat/Long

Hi Sequoia - thanks for the corrections to the Three Sisters/Eagle Peak and Mineral Peak longitude. Damn if I would have sent people to China if you hadn't noticed. The pages have all been updated. Cheers. Shawn

LincolnB - Jun 8, 2013 6:16 pm - Hasn't voted

Overnight permit

Overnight permits can be picked up (for free) on the drive in at the Prather ranger station: High Sierra Ranger District 29688 Auberry Road Prather, CA 93651 (559) 855-5355 Open 8am-4:30pm (as of May 2013). No provision for picking up permits after hours -- bummer if you suddenly decide to drive up on a Friday night. You can also reserve a permit but have to plan ahead at least 21 days and pay $5 per person: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/passes-permits/?cid=fsbdev7_018115

mtbaxter - Jun 11, 2013 2:40 pm - Hasn't voted

overnight permit addendum

If closing time is tight at the Prather office, I'd suggest you stop at the Sierra Natl Forest Headquarters en route instead. It also closes at 4:30, but you will reach there sooner. Its right near the end of the freeway portion of 168 in Clovis. Sierra National Forest Headquarters 1600 Tollhouse Rd. Clovis, Ca 93611 (559) 297-0706 Hearing Impaired (559) 322-0425 Open: Monday-Friday Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm Dan Baxter

mtbaxter - Jun 11, 2013 3:21 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: overnight permit addendum

BTW, I think the approach from the west (Dinkey Ck) is a quicker, easier drive (some of the dirt road will mildy trouble standard cars but I've seen many at the trailhead. I personally drive a Jeep), and the trail approach is very scenic. You will walk right by 5 lakes to Island Lake, and several other lakes are very short detours if you wish. From Island Lake to the north ridge is an easy class 2 summit approach as well. Day hikable, but I thoroughly enjoy it more as an easy backpack. Great lakes for families, for swims, for fishing. Short distance and minimal elevation gain to the first lake and excellent campsites, then go as far as you want to any of the four others.

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