California peaks
California summits
First Ascent Awards
4379 of 9,247 peaks 47%
Top climbing months
July 11%
August 10%
June 9%
California mountains highlights
- The Sierra Nevada is the most famous California mountain range, stretching over 400 miles from north to south. In it lies the highest mountain in the lower 48 US States, Mount Whitney at 14,505 ft / 4,421 m.
- California contains many mountainous National Parks, the most well-known being Yosemite National Park. The other national parks include Pinnacles, Lassen Volcanic, Kings Canyon, Joshua Tree, Redwood, Channel Islands, and Death Valley.
- California boasts 12 peaks over 14,000 ft elevation, concentrated in the Eastern Sierras.
- The massive Cascade volcano Mount Shasta 14,180 ft dominates the northern California landscape and can be seen from over 100 miles away.
Latest summits
"My first visit to Trabuco Peak after the Holy Fire. Meanwhile, it was a foggy day in The mountains. The area isn't quite as green as it used to be, but it is starting to come back. Made the side visit to Horsethief Peak as well. Skipped on Vicker Benchmark and Mount Cairn this time around. Both are right off the road and it seemed like I would be padding my numbers if I included them (peak climbers integrity dilemma). " — MikeTeeples • May 4, 2024
"My first visit to Trabuco Peak after the Holy Fire. Meanwhile, it was a foggy day in The mountains. The area isn't quite as green as it used to be, but it is starting to come back. Made the side visit to Horsethief Peak as well. Skipped on Vicker Benchmark and Mount Cairn this time around. Both are right off the road and it seemed like I would be padding my numbers if I included them (peak climbers integrity dilemma). " — MikeTeeples • May 4, 2024
"Truth be told- I did not hit the high point of each peak(except San Jacintos peak). I was more focused on doubling up the gnarly ass Cactus to Clouds trail, a Cactus to Clouds to Cactus!
I’ll head back soon at a leisurely pace and hit each peaks highest point…. ….i hope it’s soon…." — Air-in • May 4, 2024
"Parked on Polique Canyon Road where the PCT intersects. There is no signage, but it is where the second set of asphalt ends. The GPS coordinates are 34.17.1N and 116.55.2 W. Go west on the PCT trail for 2.25 miles and then walk up the ravine. (A big thanks to Mike Teeples for putting these direction in his notes as I never would have found the ravine if not for his guidance. His directions were spot on). Saw several PCT thru hikers. " — TwoMutz • May 3, 2024
"Icy snow made the ascent more challenging than expected. On the way back, I witnessed the helicopter rescue of a skier caught in an avalanche above Helen Lake (not on the standard Avalanche Gulch route)." — Taras • May 3, 2024