High Sierra Trips - Olancha Peak

On my way back from the Grand Canyon I headed through Death Valley and over to the Southern Sierra Nevada. I arrived late at the Sage Flat trailhead and spent the night. Some friends were supposed to meet me there in the morning to climb Olancha peak(12,132'). But after there was a snowstorm all night, no one showed up. So i set off alone on the long climb up through the snow. I headed up over Olancha pass and through summit meadows. Then I met with the PCT and followed it to the west face of the mountain and made my way up the icy talus to the summit. It was an awesome day, climbing through the snow up into the clouds near the peak. Then while I was sitting on the summit the clouds began to clear, opening up all the amazing huge views!! Days like this are what I live for. After enjoying some time on the summit I headed down. The sun went down when I was around the PCT junction and I did the rest of the hike in the dark. This was a fun adventure, long and rough, but so much fun.

Sunrise from the trail

Climbing up to Olancha Pass

Halfway up to the pass

Olancha Pass

Crossing Summit Meadows

Summit Meadows

Summit Meadows

Climbing up the PCT

Overlooking Monache Meadows from the PCT

Starting up the West Face

Climbing above treeline

Overlooking Monache Meadows from the west face

The summit in the clouds

The clouds begin to break

Looking off the east face

Standing on the summit

Looking north from the summit

Looking south from the summit

Heading down the west face

Sunset from the PCT

Youtube Video -

www.californiamountainadventure.com