Actually, Leavitt West was my first 11'er. Part of a loop starting from Blue Canyon, up to Deadman Lake, up Leavitt and Leavitt West, over to "Latopie Peak" and "Pacific Crest Peak", and then down to Sonora Pass.
Romain - Oct 26, 2020 6:03 pm Date Climbed: Oct 23, 2020
long hike to the top with some stunning views. tons of people on the PCT. i was taking pictures from the top on my phone and forgot it up there, only to realize that after i made it back down to the PCT. Does hiking the same peak twice count as a double peak day?
naura - Jul 7, 2020 9:17 am Date Climbed: Jul 5, 2020
scenic hike from Sonora Pass
This hike starts in the subalpine and ascends above treeline, so there are fantastic views near and far. Great trip to bring someone new to peakbagging, though coming up from sea level that morning can make the modest stats feel deceiving. I love the summit view of Tower flanked by Ritter/Banner and Lyell/Maclure and their glaciers.
docthompson2 - Nov 4, 2019 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2019
Morning Hike
Watched the sunrise as I ascended the ridge from Sonora Pass. Easy hiking with great terrain. Took the rather obvious use trail to the top where I was greeted by stiff cold wind, Summit itself is unimpressive, but the panorama is fantastic. 6 hours car to car with leisurely visit on top.
Scott Fulton - Sep 14, 2019 11:17 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2019
Was pretty painful, because I suspect I have Plantar Fasciitis
We did it in about 8 hours roundtrip from Sonora Pass. My heel was really hurting on the way down, so I was kind of limping. Cool peak. Sure seemed more than 10 miles roundtrip. There was a snowfield that we crossed at about 11,000' that was maybe 100 yards long.
ScarsPapa - Aug 8, 2019 8:23 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2019
From Leavitt Lake TH via PCT
My 17 year old son Tzander, his best friend Elija Hunt and I hiked this on 8/7/19. Easy hike via the lake TH (USFS road) up to the PCT. The PCT was a breeze with gorgeous vistas along the way on both sides of the crest.
Once across the northeast side of the crest above Latopie Lake there were two relatively large (by this areas standards for August) snow fields that I wanted my crampons for, but was slushy enough to dig step by step. Had we been backpacking I would've taken the "low route" PCT'ers have been using.
Once to the shoulder (East approach) it was an easy class 3 scramble to the top. We relaxed, had lunch and met 3 very nice people (Connie, Brian and Case) who shared some of their fresh pecan pie with us and some story.
The three of us then worked our way down to the "Y" couloir and descended to Koenig Lake and an easy walk back to Leavitt Lake.
Overall was a 5 hour hike, 2900 feet gained and 9.3 miles...all in all a good day. Weather could not have been better (maybe a tad less wind, it was blowing about 15-20 mph).
There is no log on the summit, I found a pen next to the USGS marker though.
Fun day!!!
Countless snowfields to cross; a few were a bit dicey. We started from Sonora Pass Trailhead. Camped just above Latopie Lake. No snow at the lake, but snow on the lake. Climbed the peak the next day. Saw no one else on the peak.
Romain - Nov 16, 2018 10:40 pm Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2018
From Sonora Pass via East Slope
Cold November day, but I still managed to meet 3 other people. Found no summit register on top. Straightforward hike. Trip report.
Snow from Sonora Pass to about 10,800', then dry for a spell, then two more long snow traverses. Upon gaining the summit ridge, snow could be avoided.
xharv - Oct 21, 2016 11:07 am Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2016
Class 1 all the way from Sonora Pass
A pleasant and not boring at all, class-1 hike from Sonora Pass to the summit. It took me about six hours car-to-car. It is class-1 all the way if you find a use trail from PCT near Latopie Lake. Trip report.
dakine - Aug 4, 2016 9:27 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2016
Sonora Pass to Leavitt
Met lots of people on the trail, imposing looking summit but just a class 1 trail up the ridge
Deb - Jul 23, 2016 11:02 am Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2016
SE Ridge
Relatively mundane hike but happy to scope out snow fields for an August ski.
fedak - Jan 3, 2016 4:39 pm Date Climbed: Sep 13, 2013
ScottHanson - Aug 30, 2015 6:47 pm Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2015
from Sonora Pass
Day 4 Sierra Challenge alternative peak. Flat football field on top!
CameronGround - Aug 18, 2015 2:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2015
NE Ridge from Sardine Meadow
Decided to climb one of those cool looking peaks that I knew nothing of but had often seen off the road while driving over Sonora Pass, on my way back to the Bay Area from a trip to the S Fork Big Pine (120 closed due to Walker Fire). The peak that caught my eye was actually 11260, from Sardine Meadow, its crumbly looking volcanic summit ridge looking nothing like the Palisades where I'd spent the past few days. I had no idea if I'd be able to reach the summit, but I figured I'd give it a shot. Headed up past Sardine Falls (which I had also never really noticed before) and up Peak 11245, where I discovered Leavitt standing higher behind my original objective, with a nice looking ridge connecting the two. Also realized at this point that I could have more easily taken the PCT, but oh well the cross country was fine. Continued up 11260, the ridge got a bit knifey near the top, so opted for the summit wall on the W side instead of testing my luck above the shear east face. Then finally onto the NE Ridge of Leavitt with some class 3 here and there, with fine views to the S and a nice drop off to the N. If it weren't for the lakes and views south to Hoover Wilderness granite, I could've thought I was in Death Valley NP with the volcanic terrain, particularly the gnarly looking hoodoo canyons down the cliffs. Overall a very fun day in a different part of the Sierra than most are probably used to.
After a morning climb of Sonora and Stanislaus, I hiked Leavitt Peak from Sonora Pass. There were lots of people on the PCT, but the views from Leavitt more than made up for the crowds. I took the direct route back to Sonora Pass rather than following the PCT all the way. This was a great descent route along a very clear use trail that saves lots of time and distance.
colinr - May 29, 2014 3:37 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2014
PCT Sonora Pass
I spent the afternoon admiring views that were a mix of snow, desolate terrain, and endless High Sierra peaks to the southeast. I started with my dogs from my car camp spot east of Sonora Pass, meeting up with the PCT at the wilderness boundary sign atop the ridge, and then continuing to Leavitt Peak. After returning along the PCT to the boundary signs, we continued on what we could find of the PCT descent to Sonora Pass in the snow, enjoying some fun glissades.
Hiking Metal Maniac - Dec 20, 2020 7:34 pm Date Climbed: Jun 29, 2020
My first 11'erActually, Leavitt West was my first 11'er. Part of a loop starting from Blue Canyon, up to Deadman Lake, up Leavitt and Leavitt West, over to "Latopie Peak" and "Pacific Crest Peak", and then down to Sonora Pass.
Romain - Oct 26, 2020 6:03 pm Date Climbed: Oct 23, 2020
From the PCTTrip report.
OBard - Jul 10, 2020 11:33 pm Date Climbed: Jul 10, 2020
Leavitt peak Via sonora passlong hike to the top with some stunning views. tons of people on the PCT. i was taking pictures from the top on my phone and forgot it up there, only to realize that after i made it back down to the PCT. Does hiking the same peak twice count as a double peak day?
naura - Jul 7, 2020 9:17 am Date Climbed: Jul 5, 2020
scenic hike from Sonora PassThis hike starts in the subalpine and ascends above treeline, so there are fantastic views near and far. Great trip to bring someone new to peakbagging, though coming up from sea level that morning can make the modest stats feel deceiving. I love the summit view of Tower flanked by Ritter/Banner and Lyell/Maclure and their glaciers.
docthompson2 - Nov 4, 2019 8:55 pm Date Climbed: Oct 24, 2019
Morning HikeWatched the sunrise as I ascended the ridge from Sonora Pass. Easy hiking with great terrain. Took the rather obvious use trail to the top where I was greeted by stiff cold wind, Summit itself is unimpressive, but the panorama is fantastic. 6 hours car to car with leisurely visit on top.
Scott Fulton - Sep 14, 2019 11:17 pm Date Climbed: Sep 14, 2019
Was pretty painful, because I suspect I have Plantar FasciitisWe did it in about 8 hours roundtrip from Sonora Pass. My heel was really hurting on the way down, so I was kind of limping. Cool peak. Sure seemed more than 10 miles roundtrip. There was a snowfield that we crossed at about 11,000' that was maybe 100 yards long.
ScarsPapa - Aug 8, 2019 8:23 am Date Climbed: Aug 7, 2019
From Leavitt Lake TH via PCTMy 17 year old son Tzander, his best friend Elija Hunt and I hiked this on 8/7/19. Easy hike via the lake TH (USFS road) up to the PCT. The PCT was a breeze with gorgeous vistas along the way on both sides of the crest.
Once across the northeast side of the crest above Latopie Lake there were two relatively large (by this areas standards for August) snow fields that I wanted my crampons for, but was slushy enough to dig step by step. Had we been backpacking I would've taken the "low route" PCT'ers have been using.
Once to the shoulder (East approach) it was an easy class 3 scramble to the top. We relaxed, had lunch and met 3 very nice people (Connie, Brian and Case) who shared some of their fresh pecan pie with us and some story.
The three of us then worked our way down to the "Y" couloir and descended to Koenig Lake and an easy walk back to Leavitt Lake.
Overall was a 5 hour hike, 2900 feet gained and 9.3 miles...all in all a good day. Weather could not have been better (maybe a tad less wind, it was blowing about 15-20 mph).
There is no log on the summit, I found a pen next to the USGS marker though.
Fun day!!!
joanelainemarshall - Jul 29, 2019 12:22 pm Date Climbed: Jul 28, 2019
Leavitt Peak via Latopie LakeCountless snowfields to cross; a few were a bit dicey. We started from Sonora Pass Trailhead. Camped just above Latopie Lake. No snow at the lake, but snow on the lake. Climbed the peak the next day. Saw no one else on the peak.
Romain - Nov 16, 2018 10:40 pm Date Climbed: Nov 11, 2018
From Sonora Pass via East SlopeCold November day, but I still managed to meet 3 other people. Found no summit register on top. Straightforward hike. Trip report.
davidsanger - Sep 19, 2018 8:20 pm Date Climbed: Sep 18, 2018
windyOut and back via the PCT from Sonora Pass on a sunny day. Windy on top, but clear. Met 11 PCT thru-hikers heading south.
wmolland - Jun 24, 2018 7:03 pm Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2018
From Sonora PassA nice cruise from Sonora Pass through spotty snow cover.
jdmorehouse - Jul 19, 2017 8:57 pm Date Climbed: Jul 14, 2017
SnowSnow from Sonora Pass to about 10,800', then dry for a spell, then two more long snow traverses. Upon gaining the summit ridge, snow could be avoided.
xharv - Oct 21, 2016 11:07 am Date Climbed: Aug 31, 2016
Class 1 all the way from Sonora PassA pleasant and not boring at all, class-1 hike from Sonora Pass to the summit. It took me about six hours car-to-car. It is class-1 all the way if you find a use trail from PCT near Latopie Lake. Trip report.
dakine - Aug 4, 2016 9:27 pm Date Climbed: Jul 17, 2016
Sonora Pass to LeavittMet lots of people on the trail, imposing looking summit but just a class 1 trail up the ridge
Deb - Jul 23, 2016 11:02 am Date Climbed: Jul 22, 2016
SE RidgeRelatively mundane hike but happy to scope out snow fields for an August ski.
fedak - Jan 3, 2016 4:39 pm Date Climbed: Sep 13, 2013
3 summitsBlue Canyon Route in 2003: here
PCT South from Sonora Pass in 2010 and 2013
ScottHanson - Aug 30, 2015 6:47 pm Date Climbed: Aug 10, 2015
from Sonora PassDay 4 Sierra Challenge alternative peak. Flat football field on top!
CameronGround - Aug 18, 2015 2:48 am Date Climbed: Aug 16, 2015
NE Ridge from Sardine MeadowDecided to climb one of those cool looking peaks that I knew nothing of but had often seen off the road while driving over Sonora Pass, on my way back to the Bay Area from a trip to the S Fork Big Pine (120 closed due to Walker Fire). The peak that caught my eye was actually 11260, from Sardine Meadow, its crumbly looking volcanic summit ridge looking nothing like the Palisades where I'd spent the past few days. I had no idea if I'd be able to reach the summit, but I figured I'd give it a shot. Headed up past Sardine Falls (which I had also never really noticed before) and up Peak 11245, where I discovered Leavitt standing higher behind my original objective, with a nice looking ridge connecting the two. Also realized at this point that I could have more easily taken the PCT, but oh well the cross country was fine. Continued up 11260, the ridge got a bit knifey near the top, so opted for the summit wall on the W side instead of testing my luck above the shear east face. Then finally onto the NE Ridge of Leavitt with some class 3 here and there, with fine views to the S and a nice drop off to the N. If it weren't for the lakes and views south to Hoover Wilderness granite, I could've thought I was in Death Valley NP with the volcanic terrain, particularly the gnarly looking hoodoo canyons down the cliffs. Overall a very fun day in a different part of the Sierra than most are probably used to.
cab - Jul 7, 2014 1:39 pm Date Climbed: Jul 5, 2014
From Sonora PassAfter a morning climb of Sonora and Stanislaus, I hiked Leavitt Peak from Sonora Pass. There were lots of people on the PCT, but the views from Leavitt more than made up for the crowds. I took the direct route back to Sonora Pass rather than following the PCT all the way. This was a great descent route along a very clear use trail that saves lots of time and distance.
colinr - May 29, 2014 3:37 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2014
PCT Sonora PassI spent the afternoon admiring views that were a mix of snow, desolate terrain, and endless High Sierra peaks to the southeast. I started with my dogs from my car camp spot east of Sonora Pass, meeting up with the PCT at the wilderness boundary sign atop the ridge, and then continuing to Leavitt Peak. After returning along the PCT to the boundary signs, we continued on what we could find of the PCT descent to Sonora Pass in the snow, enjoying some fun glissades.