Overview
At 13,891’ Mt Agassiz is respectfully one of the tallest peaks in the Sierras. It is the twentieth tallest peak in California, and a strong presence in the Palisades region. Situated as the first mountain to the southeast of Bishop Pass, Agassiz sits back to back on a ridge with a number of 13,000 footers and five of the states 14,000 footers. This mile long ridge includes Thunderbolt Peak, Starlight Peak, North Palisade, Polemonium Peak and Mt Sill.
The Palisades are considered one of the best alpine climbing locations in the Sierra Nevada. This area hosts a variety of challenging rock climbs and other considerable scrambles during the summer months. During the winter on the other hand, the Palisades offer expert and extreme ski descent possibilities on a number of couloirs.
Mt. Agassiz is an excellent overnight climb, but can also be done in a strenuous day. From the trailhead at South Lake (9,755’) it is five miles to Bishop Pass (11,960’) and another mile to the summit. The routes up Agassiz are moderate scrambles. Rock fall is not too uncommon. Views in all directions are of alpine lakes and high peaks.
Getting There
From 395 in the town of Bishop, head west on 168/West Line Street, one of the few stoplights in town. After approximately 15 miles up 168, turn left onto South Lake Road and proceed for 5.8 miles to South Lake and the trailhead for Bishop Pass. There is both day use and overnight parking, so park appropriately.
Bishop Pass Trail climbs along the east side of South Lake. After a mile there is a junction with Treasure Lakes Trail, follow Bishop Pass Trail to the left. After another mile there is a junction with Bull Lake and Chocolate Lake, stay right. Pass another trail in one more mile leading to Ruwau Lake, stay to the right again. From here it is two miles to Bishop Pass and the base of Mt Agassiz.
Red Tape
Wilderness permits are required anytime for overnight camping. Permits are not required for day use. Permits for this area can be obtained from the Lee Vining Ranger Station, the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop, and the Lone Pine Ranger Station. Quotas are in effect for Bishop Pass from May 1 through November 1. Reservations can be made by checking the Inyo National Forest page.
When To Climb
The best months to climb Mt Agassiz are from May through August, although attempts can be made year round.
Camping
There are quotas for backcountry camping in the areas surrounding Mt Agassiz. Be prepared, this area is very popular. For permits in the Inyo National Forest go to the wilderness permits page.
Saddlerock Lake and Bishop Lake are great spots to camp, from an approach standpoint, as they only four miles from the trailhead and only a mile from Bishop Pass. Another great area to camp to get away from some of the crowds is in the Dusy Basin on the south side of Bishop Pass.
Check here for a list of campgrounds in or around Bishop.
Mountain Conditions
Visit the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop for information regarding this climb.
Call the Inyo Forest Ranger Station for conditions: (760) 873-2400.
For road conditions check the page for 395 or go to Caltrans.
For weather conditions, check the National Weather Service for the Bishop region.
For snow pack information in the Sierras check here.
For information on avalanche conditions in the Sierras check here.
For more information on the Inyo National Forest, go to the Inyo page.
Use the USGS topo map for Mt. Goddard, Cal.
External LinksImages
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Palisades
