Triple Divide Peak

Overview

Triple Divide Peak divides the Kern, Kaweah, and Kings Rivers. It is the center point for all three headwaters. Triple divide pass is a required crossing when completing the Sierra High Route / Trans sierra crossing. It is located in the heart of the Sierra’s most spectacular subrange--the Great Western Divide--along the border of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Because of its remote location, getting there is the biggest challenge. Triple Divide Peak is located approximately 34 miles from the trailhead at Shepherd Pass. East Ridge. Class 2 or 3. First ascent 1920 by James Hutchinson and Charles Noble. Follow the class 3 ridge from Triple Divide Pass to the summit or cross class 2 talus and slab along the southern side of the ridge to the top. North Face. Class 3. From Glacier Lake ascend steep talus directly to the summit of the peak. West Ridge. Class 3. Follow the crest of the ridge from Lion Lake Pass; be prepared to come off from the crest to its north side in some places along the ridge. Southwest Face. Class 2-3 Climb any of several chutes and gullies to the summit from Lion Lake. South Ridge. Class 3. Follow the ridge to where you are slowed down by a gendarme. Make you way down 200 feet on the ridge’s eastern flank. Traverse across the peak’s eastern side to the East Ridge, and follow this to the top. For more information on routes, see R.J. Secor, The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails, John Moynier and Claude Fiddler, Climbing California’s High Sierra, or Steve Roper, The Climber’s Guide to the High Sierra (out of print).

Getting There

From the East - Symmes Creek trailhead from Independence, CA over Shepherds pass around Milestone Mountain to Milstone Pass to Triple Divide Pass and up the East ridge. For the Northwest Face route, take Highway 180 from Fresno. Continue on Highway 180 through Grant’s Grove for approximately 30 miles until reaching the trailhead where the road ends in Kings Canyon (Road's End Trailhead).

Red Tape

For Road's End Trailhead entry, climbers must pay a $20 entrance fee for Kings Canyon National Park or present an annual National Parks Pass. In addition, overnight wilderness visitors must obtain a wilderness permit at the trailhead and pay $15 flat fee for a permit. Information on permit reservations is available online. Overnight visitors approaching from the Shepherd Pass Trailhead must obtain an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit. Permits may be obtained at the Mt. Whitney Ranger Station, located in Lone Pine, California. Permits may also be reserved in advance by paying a $5/person fee. Information on permit reservations is available online. Advance permit reservations are recommended since many trailheads, including the Road's End and Shepherd's Pass Trailheads, are subject to use quotas that are often filled many months in advance.

When To Climb

The best time to climb is July -October, depending on snow conditions. Winter climbs are difficult because of the mountain's remote location. Early April will make for some beautiful spring skiing. Highway 180 in Kings Canyon National Park past Grant's Grove is closed in the Winter.

Camping

Kings Canyon visitor information: (559) 565-3341

Mountain Conditions

Kings Canyon visitor information: (559) 565-3341