Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Winter Access Forum Good winter peaks?

I am planning on climbing a peak or two in the Sierras from December 17-24, but have yet to settle on objectives. Which peaks (south of, say, Mammoth) are good winter destinations? I'll want to avoid rock above class 3 and steep ice. My preference is also to avoid camping. Thanks for your suggestions!

Hmmmm. I wonder if the lack of response means something . . .

Probability Peak.

Hi Sam I think the lack of info is based on the limits of no class three and steep ice, The conditions change up here everyday and with the changing conditions ice can happen and deep snow which then means that most move onto the rock to travel faster.Also the peaks are miles from most of the roads open. Options include driving to the end of the roads and doing some cross country travel head for a peak but do not push the limit, we are down to about 7-8 hours of sun now and it is cold as the sun drifts behind the crest, when we tried Boundary peak several weeks ago we may of had three hours of direct sun.


If the Portal road stays open Lone Pine Peak may work, very short distance but 5000' gain and if you watch the storms, stay on the loose scree and avoid the snow.This would get you into a very nice bowl surrounded by high mountains, limit again would be about 2 hours of sun in this canyon. Thanks Doug

Thanks Doug.

Just to clarify, I am looking for winter peaks that do not exceed class 3 (class 3 is fine).