Leavitt Peak

We had a really nice, successful hike up to the top and I recommend this hike for others willing to overcome the tough altitude challenges. Starting at 9600 feet, was quite a challenge. Since it was easily accessible from 108, summiting Leavitt Peak is a great day hike except there is no acclimation period. So if you are used to hiking at sea level, you will likely experience some form of altitude sickness here. The trail begins on the PCT right at Highway 108. There's a bathroom at the parking lot. Why does the sign warn of bears? There's not going to be any bears at this high altitude above the tree line. The trail begins with a steady climb up with some amazing videos of Sonora pass, the High Sierras, Mammoth Mountain, and more. At various passes, the wind picks up. You'll find a well marked, high trafficked trail along the Pacific Crest Trail until you take the turn off for Leavitt Peak, which is not well marked, unfortunately. Some come prepared with either your map cached and GPS, or a good knowledge of where the fork occurs. Even in September, we crossed a couple of snow banks, no crampons needed. We could have walked around if needed. The trail is not well marked at times. But you just head up and you'll find the trail again. The top is not especially dramatic but it's worth the journey: a great panoramic view, diverse vistas, a sense of accomplishment with the highest peak in the area, and a nice descent down. I found a letterbox to register our achievement. We also chose to take an excursion to Latopie Lake, just off the trail, adding to the distance. All in all, this was a great day hike. Travel up to the top of Sonora pass. Park at the trail head. Struggle with being unacclimated to the altitude. Take a nice 11 mile round trip hike up to the top with great panoramic views of diverse mountainscapes, and a fun return home, stopping at a small town mom-and-pop place to grab a burger to celebrate and swap hiking stories.

Amazing views!!!! Very much worth it, though it's tough. Better start early. Still a bit of snow left.

Summited Leavitt Peak yesterday. 7/13/19. Still snow on trail in many places. I had to go off trail the first mile to go around a large steep snow field. I ended up goi g through the snow field on the way down and things got sketchy. I should have had an ice axe but made due with micro spikes. Not recommended. I finished in about 5.5 hours. I would recommend waiting a couple more weeks if you are not very experienced.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Attempted a summit on PCT on July 3rd. First half of the trail was impassible due to snow coverage but there was a nice alpine tract to follow for about a mile. The trail ended and turned into deep snowpack. Would have been possible with ice pics and crampons but was steep and icy.

Clean trail - great hike with awesome views. gusty winds on the summit...

Fabulous hike, about 5 hours round trip. Easiest route up Leavitt on SE flank, just north of the snowfield (don't cross it).

great hike, a few snow fields to cross but nothing serious. very beautiful alpine environment

Hiked this two weeks ago. Snow patches along the way which made it more difficult without poles! Long hike but the views more than made up for it. Lots of pct folks along the way too.

All day hike with amazing views the whole way up. At the summit it is filled with butterflies in late June. Can see all the way to Yosemite. 360 views over the whole mountain range.

Life changing!

A great high-elevation (11,572 ft.) hike mostly along the Pacific Crest Trail. A use trail can be found on the SE ridge which allows access to the summit. In late June, traveling this section of the PCT required a good deal of snow-travel, some on steep terrain where a slip could be bad. Hiking poles will keep you safely on your feet in the snow and help you ascend (and safely descend!) the steep scree near the summit. On the return trip, this route allows for (and almost requires) an exciting glissade or two. In late June many people were traveling this section of the PCT, north from Mexico. None of them were making the quick side-trip to the summit. The use trail to the summit seemed to be only lightly used. The summit itself is fairly large and flat area, consisting of small talus, with steep drop-offs. No wind shelter or register exist on this summit.