Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
7,173.00 ft (2,186.33 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
24.00 mi (38.62 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Olancha Summit via Sage Flat is a 24 mile out and back route from the Sage Flat Trailhead to the summit of Olancha Peak. The Olancha Pass trail is located in the northeastern part of the South Sierra Wilderness outside of Olancha, CA. This challenging route takes you to the top of one of the tallest peaks south of Mount Whitney in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This route is accessible for hikers, runners, and backpackers. 

The trail begins from Sage Flat and follows the Olancha Pass/Sage Flat trail. The trail climbs steeply towards Olancha Pass, gaining around 3,000 feet in the first 5.5 miles. From Olancha Pass, turn right onto the Pacific Crest Trail and continue north for about 5.5 miles until you reach the base of Olancha Peak. From here, you will leave the Pacific Crest Trail and scramble up the boulder field to the summit of Olancha Peak. Experienced hikers are recommended for this summit, however, it is fairly easy route finding and generally sticks to class 1-2 to the top (which means no ropes required). Once you have taken your summit photo descend the way you came up and take the same trails back to where you started at Sage Flat.

This route is recommended in the spring and fall when the temperatures are more mild. More information about hiking in and around Olancha Pass can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd530918.pdf 

DIRECTIONS / OVERVIEW
Sage Flat → Olancha Pass → Pacific Crest Trail → Olancha Peak (reverse to return to the start)

PARKING

Parking is available at Sage Flat Trailhead.

PERMITS / CAMPING
Whether you are interested in day hiking or backpacking, contact the Inyo National Forest for information about permits: 

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Mountain Summit. Scenic Views. Singletrack Trail.

Cons

Small parking area.

Trailhead Elevation

5,825.00 ft (1,775.46 m)

Highest point

12,142.00 ft (3,700.88 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California
Eastern Sierra + White Mountains Area, California

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