Arrow Peak is probably best known for the often photographed view of it rising over and reflecting on Bench Lake. It sits alone above the South Fork of the Kings River in the heart of Kings Canyon National Park. The north face in combination with Arrow Ridge forms the impressive Muro Blanco (south wall above the Kings River canyon). Because Arrow Peak sits apart from the other high peaks of the area, the views from the summit are outstanding. To the north, look across Cartridge pass and Lakes Basin to the Palisades. Looking northeast over Mt. Ruskin, there is a fine view of Split Mountain. It is from this vantage point that Bolton Brown named Split Mountain in 1895. To the east is Bench Lake, Taboose Pass and the Owens Valley.

The Southeast Slope (first climbed in 1930 by Walter A. Starr Jr.) is easy class 2 (Yosemite Decimal System) climbing over talus and scree from the top of Arrow Pass. The Northeast Spur (first ascent route, 1895 by Bolton Brown) is a class 3 ridge climb on mostly good rock with a few knife edge sections. The Southwest Ridge (first climbed by in 1902 by Joseph LeConte, Tracey Keley, and Robert Pike) is also class 3.

For those who really enjoy pain, it is probably possible to climb Arrow peak as a day hike (although I�m not aware of it being done - edit: done in 2006). The shortest trip would be over Taboose pass (11,370 ft.) to Bench Lake then easy cross country to the base of Arrow pass followed by about a mile of talus. Total round trip: about 28 miles and 10,500 feet of climbing. From the west, the round trip would be about 30 miles and 8,500 feet of climbing (about 11 miles of cross country, some class 3).

If you are afflicted with a fascination with lists, Arrow Peak is a Mountaineers Peak in the SPS Peaks register.

Getting There

Arrow peak can be approached from the east or west side of the Sierras or as a side trip on the John Muir Trail.

From the east, the closest trailhead is Taboose Pass: Follow U.S. 395 to the Owens Valley. Between the towns of Big Pine and Independence, go west on Aberdeen Station Road. Near the Taboose Creek campground, continue straight on the signed gravel road to the Taboose Pass trailhead, about 6 miles from U.S. 395. The road is rough in places but most passenger cars can make it with careful driving. The last half mile past the stock corral is noticeably rougher. Those with lower clearance cars may want to park at the corral. The Taboose Pass trailhead is just a wide spot at the end of the road with no amenities. There is water if you want to bushwack a few yards down to the creek. There are no bear boxes. On our trip, we encountered a bear at the first creek crossing, less than 3 miles from the parking lot. It is possible that bears will visit the parking lot occasionally.

From the west side of the Sierras, the closest trailhead is Woods Creek (Road's End): Follow highway 180 east from Fresno to Kings Canyon Nation Park. Continue past Cedar Grove to the Woods Creek trailhead at Road's End. Bears are very active in this area, use the bear boxes at the trailhead!

Red Tape

East side access is controlled by the Inyo National Forest. There are no fees or permits required for day hikes but a permit (free) is required for overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness or Kings Canyon National Park. Information on permits and wilderness regulations can be found here. There is a quota for summer Taboose Pass permits but due to the hot and strenuous nature of the trail, the quota rarely fills up (except for holiday weekends). Permits can be obtained at the Inyo NF Ranger Stations in Bishop or Lone Pine.

West side access is controlled by Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park. There is a park entry fee of $10. No permits are required for day hikes, but overnight backcountry trips require a permit (free). The Woods Creek trail is very popular and reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends. Information on permits and wilderness regulations can be found here. Pick up your permit at the ranger station at Roads End. Overnight backcountry trips starting at Roads End require the use of a bear canister (may be rented where you get your permit). Details of SEKI food storage regulations can be found here.

When To Climb

Most ascents of Arrow Peak are done in the summer from June through September. However, those willing to make the long approach hike (or ski) over snow may climb in winter. There were several winter ascents (and ski descents) listed in the summit log, so you won�t be the first.

Camping

Backcountry camping is unlimited (with permit). See the section on Red Tape about obtaining a wilderness permit. On the east side, camping at Bench Lake is outstanding�good fishing, plentiful shade and that great view of Arrow Peak. On the west side, the lakes in Arrow Creek Basin offer reasonable camping�a bit exposed to the sun but you will likely have the entire basin to yourselves. Few backpackers are willing to make the class 3 climb up the lower part of Arrow Creek. If you are climbing the Northeast Spur, camp along the Kings River. There are also campgrounds near both trailheads.

Mountain Conditions

California's Sierra Nevada mountains are noted for their benign summer weather. However, afternoon thunderstorms are common and summer snow storms are not unknown. Expect some steep snow fields in early summer. Check with the White Mountain Ranger Station in Bishop for current conditions at: 798 North Main Street, Bishop, CA 93514. (619) 873-2500. Check this Inyo NF site for current eastern Sierra road and trail conditions.

The National Weather Service website has forecasts for the Owens Valley and the adjacent eastern slope of the Sierras and the Sierra Nevada Mountains from Yosemite to Kings Canyon.

Bench Lake Reflections

The view of Arrow Peak reflected in Bench Lake is one of the classics of the Sieras and the subject of many fine photographs. Post your favorite Bench Lake reflection shot here.

Other Diversions

Unless you have an advanced case of Peak Bagger�s Disease, you probably won�t be making the long hike to the upper reaches of the South Fork of the Kings River solely to climb Arrow Peak. Not to worry, this fantastic and fairly remote section of the High Sierra has plenty of other diversions to entice intrepid visitors.

Nearby peaks to climb:

Nearby Mountains
Name	Dst. (miles)	Hgt. (ft)	Comments
Pyramid Peak	2.2	12,777
Marion PeaK	2.6	12,719
Mt. Ickles	2.9	12,968
Mt. Ruskin	3.6	12,920	This mountain is reported to have excellent rock and fun class 3 routes.
Mt. Pinchot	4.9	13,495
Vernacher Needle	4.9	12,996	Don�t get too excited, it�s not very needle like.
Stripped Mtn.	5.5	13,120
Goodale Mtn.	6.5	12,790
Cardinal Mtn.	6.6	13,397	An ugly, loose talus, class 2 climb from Taboose Pass.
Split Mtn.	7.4	14,058	The technically easiest approach to the North Ridge is from the west via Upper Basin at the head of the Kings River.

Backpacking:
The John Muir Trail traverses the area from Mather Pass to Pinchot Pass. Although this popular trail brings a fair number of people (10 to 30 per day) through the area, most travelers on the JMT never stray from the trail. There is plenty of solitude to be had exploring Upper Basin or the lakes below Pinchot Pass or cross Cartridge pass into the remote Lakes Basin. Or if brush choked, glaciated river canyons are your thing, the South Fork of the Kings River and the Muro Blanco is a classic Sierra bushwack. Of course don�t forget to stop at Bench Lake and snap the obligatory picture of the Arrow Peak reflection.

Fishing:
Many of the lakes in the area, including Bench Lake, have good fishing for Golden and Rainbow Trout. The South Fork of the Kings River also has excellent fishing. The best fishing is in early summer and late summer/autumn. There is usually a midsummer slack in fish activity throughout the higher elevation of the Sierra. A California fishing license is required. Out of state visitors can purchase short-term licenses. Check the fishing regulations at the California Department of Fish and Game.

Etymology

"Bolton Coit Brown named Arrow Peak in 1895 when he made the first ascent. He was wearing boots so worn that his feet 'were almost literally on the ground,' and he was by himself -- but nevertheless he went up the northeast spur. 'More than once the ridge narrowed to an actual edge which I had to straddle and hitch along. ... A sharp rock cut the bare sole of my foot, but not deeply. ... About midday I clambered up the last and summit rock ... and swept my eyes around. It was perfect. ... A sense of profound peace came over me. It was so still I heard only the ringing in my ears.' (SCB 1, no. 8, May 1896: 307-8. Also a sketch map on p. 302 and a sketch of Arrow Peak on p. 306.) 'Arrow Peak' and 'Arrow Creek' first appeared on the 1907 Mt. Whitney 30' map; the USGS added 'Arrow Ridge' on the Mt. Pinchot quad in 1953."

- Peter Browning, Place Names of the Sierra Nevada

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