High Sierra Adventures - Olancha Peak

On my way back home from the north rim of the Grand Canyon I headed through Death Valley and over to the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. After a long day of exploring in Death Valley I arrived late at the Sage Flat trailhead and spent the night there. Some friends were supposed to meet me there in the morning to climb Olancha peak(12,132'), but a snowstorm hit that night and none of them showed up. So I set off solo on the long climb up through the snow.

Sunrise from the trail

Climbing up to Olancha pass

About halfway to the pass

I headed up and over Olancha pass and through summit meadows. Then I met with the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and followed it to the west face of the mountain and made my way up the icy talus to the summit.

Olancha pass

Summit Meadow

Summit Meadow

Summit Meadow

Climbing up the PCT

Overlooking Monache Meadows from the PCT

Climbing the west face

Climbing above treeline

Overlooking Monache meadows from the west face

The summit of Olancha peak

It was an awesome day, climbing through the snow and up into the clouds near the peak. Then while I was sitting on the summit the clouds began to clear, opening up all the amazing huge views!! Looking north to the high country of Mt. Langley and Mt. Whitney, south over the South Sierra wilderness, west over the Kern Plateau, and east over Owens Valley and even all the way out to Telescope peak in Death valley. Days like this are what I live for.

Looking off the east face

Standing on the summit

Looking north from the summit

Looking south from the summit

After enjoying my time on the summit I headed down. I got down the west face and then the sun went down when I was around the PCT junction and I did the last of the hike in the dark. It was a fun adventure, long and rough, but so much fun!

Descending the west face

Sunset from the PCT

Thanks for reading!

Youtube video -

Thanks for watching!

www.californiamountainadventure.com
www.facebook.com/CAmountainadventures
https://discord.gg/g22zkFD