California may be known for its forest and beaches, but it also has impressive mountains sought out by casual and adventure hikers from around the world! The impressive Sierra Nevada mountain range holds several 14ers to take up.
Mount Whitney is the tallest 14er in California, rising to 14,498 feet above sea level. Even at this impressive height, it does contain trails that beginner and advanced hikers can conquer! Other notable peaks include Mount Williamson and Mount Shasta.
If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors and experience some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, California is the place for you! In this blog post, we will cover all of the 14ers in California, from the tallest mountains to the most popular trails. We’ll provide information about each mountain and what to expect on each hike, so you can make the most of your visit.
Are There 14ers in California?
Yes, there are 14ers in California! The highest of which is Mount Whitney at 14,498 feet above sea level. There are 15 mountains reaching 14000 feet and 12 true 14ers in California – all of which can be reached by hiking. If you’re looking for a challenging hike or even a ski trip to experience some of the most majestic scenery in the state, then these high-altitude destinations are definitely worth considering.
List of 14ers in California:
Here is a list of all of these peaks in California to help you find which ones to add to your adventure bucket list!
1. White Mountain Peak
If you’re looking for a mountaintop adventure that will test your skills, look no further than White Mountain Peak. This 14,246-foot summit located in the Inyo White Mountains is one of the most popular in California and offers climbers a range of classifications to choose from (1-5), making it an ideal destination for anyone interested in mountain climbing.
The South Face route is by far the easiest way to get there – taking just under five hours to reach the top from start to finish. However, if you are feeling more adventurous and want something more challenging – or simply prefer a different hike altogether – then try tackling either of White Mountain’s other two routes: The West Ridge or North Face. Both offer stunning views and require significantly longer climbs, but provide unforgettable experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who attempt them.
2. Mount Whitney
Mount Whitney is one of the highest peaks in the lower 48 states, and it’s located in California! At 14,498 feet, it’s also one of the most popular 14ers to climb. The mountain range where Mount Whitney resides is known as the Sierra Nevada. It offers a variety of climber routes that are all Class 1 or easier (meaning they don’t involve any technical climbing). The easiest route to ascend Mount Whitney is via the Whitney Trail.
This trail starts off easy enough but gradually becomes more challenging as you reach higher elevations. In order to access this trail, hikers must first obtain a permit from USFS Rangers stationed at nearby Sequoia National Park (which charges an entrance fee) or Yosemite National Park (where there is no entrance fee). Once you’ve obtained your permit and started hiking up Mount Whitney, be sure to bring plenty of water and food with you because provisions can become scarce along the way!
3. Mount Langley
Mount Langley is one of the most popular 14ers in California, and for good reason. It reaches 14,026 feet high and is an easy climb that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Mount Langley is part of the Sierra Nevada mountains, which are some of the oldest and highest in North America.
The summit can be reached using a number of different routes, but New Army Pass is by far the easiest. This route starts at Snow Lake and climbs gently until it reaches the 13,000-foot level. From there, it’s just a short hike to the summit ridge where you’ll find spectacular views all around.
The slopes on Mount Langley are covered with wildflowers in early summertime, making it an excellent place to see wildlife such as deer or elk. You can also take advantage of many hiking trails that will take you deep into this beautiful mountain range
4. Split Mountain
Split Mountain is a 14,058-foot peak located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It’s one of the most popular peaks for hiking and mountain biking in the state, thanks to its easy access and diverse terrain.
The easiest route to Split Mountain starts at North Slope from the east side. This route is classified as a Class 2 hike, meaning it’s manageable but requires some careful preparation (e.g., bringing enough water). However, even if you are new to hiking 14ers if you are in good shape Class 2 hikes are still certainly manageable!
If you’re looking for an exciting challenge, consider tackling this peak via the north slope instead. This path is more difficult than Class 2 but still offers plenty of thrilling scenery. Either way, make sure to apply for a permit if you are planning on staying overnight, before setting out on your trek!
5. Mount Sill
If you’re looking for a mountaineering challenge, then look no further than Mount Sill. This 14,153-foot peak is located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and can be climbed using either the Southwest Slope or Northeast Ridge routes. The Southwest Slope route is by far the easiest option, and should only require beginner-level skills to complete.
However, if you’d like to experience something a little more challenging, then try climbing the Northeast Ridge route. It’s significantly harder than the Southwest Slope route, but still offers rewards such as stunning views of Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park from atop Mount Sill. Either way, you go about reaching this summit – whether it’s via trail or mountaineer – make sure to take plenty of supplies with you in case of an emergency!
6. Mount Muir
Mount Muir is a popular 14er in California rising to 14,012 feet, just above the 14er mark! It can be a challenge to climb, but the views are worth it. Mount Muir offers several different trails that take you up through subalpine forests and exposed granite peaks. The Whitney Trail is the easiest route, and it’s well-marked with signs along the way. However, if you’re looking for a more challenging experience, consider taking either of the other two trails: the Haystack or Devil’s Thumb Trails.
The mountain range surrounding Mount Muir contains some of America’s most iconic scenery – Yosemite National Park to the east and Arapahoe Basin ski resort to the north are just a few minutes away by car. So whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or simply want to see some beautiful countryside while climbing a 14er, Mount Muir is definitely worth considering!
7. Middle Palisade
The Middle Palisade also rises to 14,012 feet tall and is a peak in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It’s located just outside Lake Tahoe and can be seen in many areas around the area. The northeast face of the mountain is what most travelers consider to be the easiest route up – it requires only Class 3 climbing skills (a few short rappels). However, various other routes exist that are easier or harder, so it’s important to research which one will be best for your specific climbing ability and camping preferences.
If you’re planning on hiking or biking the trail to this peak, please note that permits are required by park staff if you plan on camping overnight. The fee for a permit ranges depending on season and group size but usually hovers around $10 per night. So whether you’re an experienced outdoorsman looking for an easy hike or someone just trying out backpacking for the first time, there’s definitely something here worth exploring!
8. Mount Tyndall
Mount Tyndall is a 14,019-foot peak in the Sierra Nevada range of California. It is located in Kings Canyon National Park and can be accessed via the Northwest Ridge route, which is considered to be one of the easiest routes available. The Northwest Ridge begins at 8,000 feet elevation and ascends steadily until reaching the summit.
There are no significant technical challenges along this route, making it an ideal choice for beginner hikers. For those seeking a more challenging hike, Mount Tyndall also offers a Class 2 option that requires additional preparation and training. Regardless of your hiking ability or preference, Mount Tyndall has something for everyone!
9. Mount Williamson
Mount Williamson is an iconic peak in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, and it’s one of the most popular 14ers to climb in California. It boasts a height of 14,373 feet. The West Face route is considered to be the easiest route up Mount Williamson, and it offers excellent views of Lake Tahoe as well as Yosemite National Park.
However, just because this hike is easy doesn’t mean that there are no challenges involved – expect deep snow and icy conditions near the summit even during high season (late May through early October). If you’re planning on hiking Mount Williamson during the summertime or fall, make sure to check with your local park ranger for updated permit information, as you do need one if you are camping overnight!
10. Mount Russell
Mount Russell is a 14,088-foot peak once again in the Sierra Nevada mountain range that is located just northeast of Yosemite National Park. It can be accessed via the East Ridge route, which is one of the easiest and most popular routes to climb in California. The East Ridge begins at 8600 feet elevation and takes only about three hours to reach the summit.
While Mount Russell isn’t as high as some other peaks in California, its accessible height and challenging Class III route make it a very popular destination for hikers and climbers alike. Plus, thanks to its location near Yosemite National Park – America’s first national park – Mount Russel offers amazing views of both Yosemite Valley and Half Dome from all around its slopes
11. Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is one of the most iconic and recognizable mountains in California, rising to 14,179 feet into the sky. It straddles the border between Siskiyou and Modoc counties and is part of the famous Cascade Range. The mountain has long seen an increasing number of ascents thanks to the popularity of 14ers – both in the state and around the world.
If you’re looking for an easy hike that will take your breath away, then Mount Shasta is definitely worth considering! The easiest route takes climbers up Avalanche Gulch via Class 2 terrain – which means there are no difficult uphill sections or dangerous descents. Just be sure to check current conditions before heading out, as avalanche dangers exist on almost all slopes on Mount Shasta during wintertime (particularly late December through February).
12. North Palisade
If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, then the North Palisade 14ers in California is definitely worth checking out. The mountain range contains four peaks over 14,000 feet tall – West Chute, East Palisade, South Palisade, and North Palisades – and all of them are Class 4 trails that require careful preparation and plenty of climbing experience.
The easiest route to climb the mountains is via the West Chute trailhead, which is still a Class 4 hike! This intense trail starts off relatively easy but becomes more difficult as you progress up it. It’s also important to avoid crossing any streams or rivers while hiking this route because they can be very dangerous if you get caught in their currents.
Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and water during your hike since there isn’t much provisioning along this route (and cell service is spotty at best). And remember to take safety precautions such as wearing a helmet and carrying adequate supplies when hiking these mountains!
13. Polemonium Peak
Polemonium Peak is a 14,100-foot peak in the Sierra Nevada that offers beautiful views of the Inyo and White Mountains. It’s located just outside Yosemite National Park and can be reached via the U-Notch trailhead. The route is moderately difficult but doable for most hikers, with a Class 4 rating.
For those looking to venture onto more challenging terrain, consider hiking Polemonium Peak in conjunction with Mount Whitney or Half Dome. Camping isn’t allowed on this mountain (although there are several backcountry campsites nearby), so make sure you have your permit before setting out!
14. Starlight Peak
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Starlight Peak is a 14,220-foot peak located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. It is ranked as one of the easiest peaks to climb in North America and can be climbed without any technical climbing skills or experience. The route begins at an elevation of 8,000 feet and climbs steadily until reaching its summit at 14,220 feet.
The Northwest Chute route is the most popular approach to Starlight Peak because it offers easy access from several trailheads scattered across Yosemite National Park. This Class 5 hiking path features a series of switchbacks that take you up over 10,000 feet in just 3 miles (4 km). If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging hike with stunning views, this is definitely the mountain for you!
15. Thunderbolt Peak
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If you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views, then look no further than Thunderbolt Peak. This 14,003-foot peak is located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and is considered one of California’s most difficult peaks to climb. Due to its Class 5 Easiest Route designation, in order to summit you need heavy climbing experience and an overnight permit.
The Southwest Chute Number 1 route offers hikers an easier walk up the mountain before reaching a series of steep slopes that lead them to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and relatively flat on its way up (~2 miles) but becomes increasingly rugged as you reach the summit (~3 miles). If you’re lucky enough to have clear weather conditions when hiking Thunderbolt Peak, be sure not to miss out on this unforgettable view!
Which State Has the Most 14ers?
Colorado has the most 14ers of any state in the United States, with 50 14ers within its borders. This is thanks to its high concentration of mountains, including the Continental Divide and the Rocky Mountains. The state also has a number of popular climbing destinations like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Keystone County, Crested Butte, and Eldora Mountain Resort. This tends to be the destination for people looking to conquer 14ers!
Check Out our Other 14er Lists:
- How Many 14ers Are There in Alaska? (Full List)
- How Many 14ers Are There in Washington? (Full List)
- How Many 14ers Are There in Montana? (Are There Any?)
Final Thoughts
Depending on who you ask, there are 12 or 15 mountains in California that qualify as 14ers. With so many great options available, it can be hard to decide which mountain to hike first. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily find and hike any of the 14ers in California. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or something that will offer a unique perspective, these mountains are sure to impress.
Notably, California has a good number of 14er that can be conquered by beginners and several more that will be challenging for experts! So whether you are just starting out or looking for an impressive peak to summer, California has it all.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!