Contribute  Loading...
Geography Parents Loading... Routes
| South Ridge via PCT   | 
| Page Type: Route Location: California, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 38.35380°N / 119.6355°W Route Type: Hiking Season: Summer Time Required: Half a day Difficulty: Class 2
| Route Quality: | | | | Loading...
| Page By: thebeave7 Created/Edited: Jul 7, 2007 / Jul 7, 2007 Object ID: 308761 Hits: 618 Loading... Page Score: 0% - 0 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThis route describes a direct assault from the PCT up the South Ridge, which is more a rib on the South face. While this route is direct and requires the least elevation gain of the standard routes, the final section is loose and steep. This route is primarily climbed in the spring-fall, or whenever Sonora Pass is open. Due to its proximity and ease of access, Sonora Peak sees quite a few visitors each year. The views of nearby Leavitt Peak, Stanislaus Peak, and the further Tower Peak make this hike worthwhile.
Getting ThereTake Highway 108 NE from Sonora toward Sonora Pass. The road becomes very windy and steep after passing Kennedy Meadows at 6300ft. Follow the Highway all the way to Sonora Pass, park on the North side of the pass in one of the parking lots, or road side if the lots are snowed in(spring). Located the PCT, which starts just behind the bathroom on the North side of Sonora Pass. This is your starting point for this trip.Route DescriptionFollow the PCT as it slowly climbs North away from Sonora Pass. After approximately 1.6miles you will reach a large bend in the trail(a switchback) at 10200ft. Above you there will be a rocky point, and a vague climbers trail will take off around the back(West) of this point. Leave the PCT by hiking straight off the switchback(rather than turning), and follow the climbers trail up around the rocks. Follow this ridge straight to the summit, avoiding the brush on the climbers left. The route becomes very loose and gravely, so watch your footing. The climbing is never more than class 2.Essential GearSturdy pair of hiking shoes, food, and water.
With the exception of a few seasonal streams no water is available on the route. See the link below for camping and fire restrictions.External LinksCalifornia Highway 108 Conditions
Stanislaus National Forest Images
|
|
Sonora Pass Area
