| Eagle Peak - Sierra National Forest Mountain/Rock |
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| Eagle Peak - Sierra National Forest   | 
| Page Type: Mountain/Rock Location: California, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 37.08843°N / 119.01697°W Activities: Scrambling Season: Spring, Summer, Fall Elevation: 10318 ft / 3145 m | Page By: SJD Created/Edited: Feb 18, 2006 / Dec 6, 2006 Object ID: 173588 Hits: 1071 Loading... Page Score: 56.19% - 9 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewEagle Peak is nestled in the Sierra National Forest immediately west of Courtright Reservoir. While Eagle Peak is not the tallest mountain in the west, the summit views are terrific - especially considering the easy access and quick ascent.
Oddly, few people seem to get to Eagle Peak - perhaps due to the drive time required to get to Courtright. Whatever the case, it is well worth the trip for a half-day outing (which could be extended nicely by tagging the surroung peaks).
Getting to Eagle Peak is purley cross country, but route-finding is simple given the various ridge routes and proximity to the reservoir. Unless one were in complete white out conditions, it would be impossible to get lost getting to or returning from Eagle Peak. Refer to the attached topo for an overview.
It's charm and beauty come form the speedy ascent and views surrounding the reservoir.
Getting ThereThe easiest way to Eagle Peak first requires a road trip to Courtright Reservoir.
Getting to Courtright Reservoir
The drive time from Fresno to Courtright Reservoir is roughly two hours. In summary, you will take highway 168 to Shaver Lake, then Dinkey Creek Road to McKinely Grove Road, and finally take Courtright Reservoir Road on the final leg to the reservoir. There are highway signs indicating the way to Courtright near the main intersections.
Here are detailed driving instruction borrowed from the Courtright Reservoir logistical center
Just inside the town limits of Shaver Lake, turn right onto Dinkey Creek Rd. Follow this for approximately 11 miles to almost the roads end. Prior to the road ending (approx. 1/4 mile) is McKinley Grove Rd. Turn right onto McKinley Grove Rd and over the bridge that crosses Dinkey Creek. Follow McKinley Grove Rd. for approximately 13 miles till one reaches a signed intersection for Courtright and Wishon Reservoirs (this sign appears after travelling on the only mile long straight section of McKinley Grove Rd!). Turn left for 'Courtright Reservoir' and follow this single lane access road for approximately 8 miles to the reservoir.
Have a look at the fine Courtright Reservoir Logistical Center Page for further information.
Getting to Eagle Peak from Courtright Reservoir
Of course there are multiple routes to get to Eagle Peak, but for now only this route is shown.
Once at Courtright, access to Eagle Peak is easily achieved by following the north east ridge to the summit starting from the Cliff Lake trailhead located on the N/W side of the reservoir.
As described, there is no trail to Eagle Peak, so ignore the trail head for Cliff Lake and head up the gentle N/E slopes to the peak. There is some occassional mixed grade of granite, a little talus, but mostly simple terrain with trees as you navigate along the ridge towards the obvious base of Eagle Peak.
While climbing the first talus pile to tag the summit may be tempting, walking south-west along the base will bring you to the yet easier south ridge approach for the last quarter mile to the summit.
A round trip from the Cliff Lake trailhead is about six (6) miles.
About the most difficult route finding will be finding your car upon return in the wooded area near the trailhead.
N/E Ridge topo with route shown |
Red TapeTher are no permits required for a day outing to Eagle Peak.
Please refer to the fine Courtright Reservoir Logistical Center Page for further information.
Ease of access is a luxury in the national forest.
External LinksA day outing to Eagle Peak Images
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