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    Sonora Peak Hike

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Hard
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3.5-5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    10.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    640 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead

    Hike up to the summit of the Stanislaus National Forests’ highest peak along the Sonora Peak Hike. This demanding adventure rewards impressive scenes of the High Sierra from above the second-highest mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

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    Route Description for Sonora Peak Hike

    The Sonora Peak Trail is an incredible adventure that boasts breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Wander through mixed woodlands before scrambling up the rocky scree to the summit of Sonora Peak. Note this path requires endurance and a sturdy pair of footwear as you will require to do some rock-climbing! Mind your footing and try to summit before noon to mitigate the chances of getting caught in a nasty afternoon storm. Though a trail GPS is not necessary, it is recommended as sections of the route are hard to follow, especially when snow cloaked.

    Setting out from the trailhead off CA-108, the Sonora Peak Hike follows the Stanislaus Peak Trail. This route will guide you north, immediately climbing through a thinning forest of pines and over snow-melt streams. Eventually, you will reach an intersection; keep right here. At this point, the trail will become more intense, requiring some scrambling over the rocky scree. Take your time and mind your footing as you navigate the technical terrain to the summit. You will be granted panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada from atop the peak. Marvel in the grandeur of the mountainous landscape, then continue hiking southeast down the eastern slope of the summit.

    At the next junction, turn right onto the PCT, which will redirect you southwardly. Gradually descending back beneath the treeline, you will eventually reach CA-108. From here, turn right and walk along the shoulder of the road back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Sonora Peak Hike Trailhead

    The Sonora Peak Hike is accessed via the Sonora Peak Trailhead off CA-108.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Backcountry Camping, wilderness permit required.

    • When to do

      Year-round

    • Pets allowed

      No

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Circuit

    Sonora Peak Hike Elevation Graph

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    Sonora Peak Hike Reviews

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