North Palisade Mountain

Address: North Palisade, Sierra Nevada range near Kings Canyon National Park boundary, California, USA

North Palisade is a prominent granite peak on the Sierra Nevada crest in eastern California with a summit elevation of about 4,343 metres (14,242 feet). It is one of the higher peaks of the Sierra Nevada and is known for steep faces and alpine granite climbing.

The mountain attracts technical mountaineers for multi-pitch rock routes and alpine ascents; approaches commonly start from trails in the John Muir Wilderness or nearby alpine camps. The peak has permanent snow and a small glacier on its north side that persists into summer.

Formed from Sierra Nevada granitic plutons uplifted and sculpted by glaciation, the peak’s rugged faces and ridges became noted by climbers in the early 20th century and remain classic alpine objectives. It sits on the Sierra crest near the boundary of Inyo National Forest and the John Muir Wilderness.

Located in eastern California, the peak lies west of the Owens Valley and is accessed from trailheads near the town of Bishop and from multiple approach valleys on the western side of the crest.

• Elevation: summits exceed 4,300 metres, with the main peak reaching approximately 4,343 metres (14,242 feet)
• Climbing: primarily visited by technical climbers; routes are steep and mostly on granite, requiring mountaineering skills and equipment

What to See#

• Palisade Glacier: a small cirque glacier on the northern aspects of the peak that feeds local drainages and persists at high elevations

Common approaches start from the Onion Valley trailhead (eastern Sierra) or via Palisade Glacier routes; permits for overnight stays in the Sierra may be required. Consult local ranger offices for up-to-date conditions.

• Attempt climbs only with appropriate alpine experience and up-to-date route information; North Palisade is a serious, technical ascent.
• Check with local ranger stations and weather forecasts - afternoon thunderstorms and rockfall are real hazards.
• Acclimatize and plan multiple days; approach routes can be long and logistically complex.