White Mountain Peak

This route begins and ends at the White Mountain Peak/Barcroft Trailhead after reaching the summit of White Mountain Peak at 14,252 feet. Crux: The altitude is the crux — the route begins at 11,681' at the Barcroft Gate with no warm-up at lower elevation and climbs continuously to the 14,252' summit. There is no water, no shade, and no technical terrain that forces a natural rest; the challenge is entirely cumulative. The final 1,700 vertical feet above the Barcroft High Altitude Research Station are the most sustained section and where altitude demands the most from an otherwise gradual route. From the gate, follow the closed dirt road northwest. Pass the University of California's Barcroft Station at 2.0 miles, keeping straight on the main road. Continue climbing steadily along the barren ridge. At 5.1 miles, pass by a path branching off to the right. Stay on the road as it begins a series of steep switchbacks up the rocky south face of the peak. Climb the remaining 1,200 vertical feet over the final 2.0 miles to reach the summit observatory at 7.6 miles. Retrace your steps back to the trailhead.