Good time to climb Alpine's highest peak

Now is the time to climb Alpine County's highest peak which is, of course, Sonora Peak. At 11,462 feet this massive hunk of volcanic rock sits a scant two miles north of Sonora Pass. Get there by driving south on Highway 395 then take State Route 108 15 miles to the pass. You'll climb about 2,100 feet and walk 8.5 miles roundtrip on the class 1 route I describe.

At the Sonora Pass trailhead (elevation 9,643 feet) begin by walking north on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail climbs gently, meandering and undulating in and out of gullies for almost two miles before abruptly turning east to traverse the steep lower slopes of the peak. Approach a prominent volcanic outcrop and note the use trail leading north up the ridgeline. This is the way you'll come down.

Continue east on the trail as it traverses ever steepening slopes. You'll be glad you brought hiking poles on this section and good boots too. By now the lodgepole pines seen lower have disappeared and the scattered whitebarks are dwarfed by the elements.

The trail turns north, crosses a saddle, as it meanders in and out of gullies on the east face of the peak. Look for small hemlocks in the protected areas on the gradual descent to Wolf Creek Lake and again up higher on the peak. This lake drains southeast into the West Walker River and just beyond, over a small saddle, begins the East Fork of the Carson River.

We're not going to the lake however although it is a nice lunch stop. Just before the lake find a granite outcrop and begin stair-stepping up it, taking the path of least resistance in a generally northwest direction. As the granite disappears under the overlying volcanic rock arc further left to head west to southwest and aim for the highest point.

In this last mile you'll climb about 1,100 feet to the summit. It's steep but not intimidating, and you can feel the altitude here so adjust your pace accordingly. Other than one small line of shriveled waist-high whitebarks and hemlocks, trees are absent from these slopes.

As last the summit comes into view; note that it is at the north end of the ridgeline. Once there you'll find a register nestled in a rock shelter and a small wooden sign that says "Sonora Pk 11459'" that you can hold for the photographer in your group.

Note that different elevations, all within five feet of each other, are given by different sources for this peak and that is actually true for elevations all over the globe with the advent of more precise satellite visual and laser imaging.

Admire the dramatic views in all directions. Stanislaus Peak to the north, the Dardanelles in the west, Leavitt, Tower and other numerous peaks of the Yosemite high country fill in the south. East are the Sweetwater's.

If the winds are howling, as they often are, hunker down on the lee side to plan your descent. If the winds are very strong retrace your route up. If not, follow the ridgeline southeast and stay on it as it does a long gentle arc to the southwest. Except the very last few hundred feet this route is entirely visible from the peak and you'll occasionally be on use trails as you descend.

The terminus of this route will be that large volcanic outcropping on the Pacific Crest Trail. Stay on the ridge or just to its west. Shortcutting to the right or left, in most places, will get you on to ever steepening slopes of loose "ball-bearing" sized rocks. Once back on the trail retrace your route to the trailhead.

This peak requires preparation. Food, water, clothing appropriate to the weather, sunscreen and the remaining 10 essentials are important. Hiking poles can help on the steeps and in strong winds. Check the weather. Thunderstorms or snow should cancel this climb.

An interesting alternate route is described by Gary Suttle in his book "California County Summits." I have been up this route on exploratory trips to the base of the peak and skirted the peak to the north. I have never summited via this route.

Jim Donald is an Alpine County resident.