Independence Peak via North Ridge

John Muir Wilderness, CA
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Info

Distance
3.7 mi
Elevation gain
2,600 ft
Route type
Loop
Duration
4.5 hr
Crux
Class 4
Quality
5/10
Vehicle type
Car
Ecoregion
Sierra Nevada

Peaks bagged

1
Independence Peak
SPS
11,742 ft / Rise 358 ft

Report

Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Entering the John Muir Wilderness via the Robinson Lake Trail.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Leaving the Robinson Lake Trail to gain Independence Peak's north ridge.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
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Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Gaining the north ridge.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Approaching a spine around 10,400 feet. We attempted to climb it directly, but were deterred by exposed Class 5 terrain. Instead, we bypassed it to the right.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
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Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Start of the Class 5 section that we bailed on.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Bypassing the exposed ridge crest to the right.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Class 3.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
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Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Class 2 chute to regain the ridge crest.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Dropping down to the left.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
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Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Class 3.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back down the north ridge.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Exposed ledge.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Dropping down to the right.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Sustained Class 3 section.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View east.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Start of the Class 4 crux. Significant exposure to the left.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back from above the crux.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Approaching the summit.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Independence Peak summit. View south toward Mount Bradley (left) and University Peak (right).
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
On the descent, continuing south toward a weakness in the ridge.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back toward the summit.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Starting down a chute on the west face.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
View back.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Quick scree descent.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Rejoining the Robinson Lake Trail.
Trip report photo for Independence Peak via North Ridge
Returning to Onion Valley Campground.

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