Crag Peak

Climbing Crag Peak, Dome Rock, Needles Lookout and Worth Benchmark

When the Central and Northern Sierras are getting pounded by a late season snowstorm, the Southern Sierra beckons. A random wandering around the Eastern and Western side of the Souther Sierra. For Crag peak the standard route is from the south via the Pacific Crest Trail beginning at Kennedy Meadows Campground, then leaving the PCT and heading west cross country to the summit. This route is Class 3 near the summit, but the vast majority of the route is Class 1 & 2. Other routes to the summit can be found from the west (from Smith Mountain/Jackass Peak area)

Trailhead:

The standard route starting at Kennedy Meadows Campground is accessed by a 26 mile drive on a paved road from Hwy. 395. From Hwy. 395, turn west on Kennedy Meadows Road (aka Nine Mile Canyon Road) and drive 23.6 miles to a fork at the Kennedy Meadows General Store. Bear right here (continuing on Kennedy Meadows Road) and follow the road to its end another 2.7 miles to the Kennedy Meadows Campground.
Difficulty:

Moderate - it's easy on the PCT - once you leave the PCT it's cross country, although route finding is not too tough. Once at the summit ridge we climbed the wrong summit initially before realizing it was further north.
Aesthetic Rating:

Great views of the Southern Sierra including Olancha Peak.
Distance:

15 miles round trip
Type:

Dayhike