The tallest peaks in California offer world-class rock climbing and mountaineering. Check out our list below, and begin ticking them off!

How many 14,000-foot peaks are in California? Surprisingly, the answer is not straightforward. Most people would agree that there are 13 14,000-foot peaks in California. However, two others come very close and are often counted as fourteeners. We explain why at the bottom of this page.

We have climbed the tallest peaks in California for many years, and we guide most of them!

Mt Whitney, 14,495

Mt. Whitney is the highest point in the lower 48 states. This peak has many routes that will take you to the summit. A trail accesses the summit from the Whitney Portal. Or, step it up a notch with the third-class Mountaineer’s Route, which adds more challenge and sees fewer people. The 5.6 East Face and the 5.7 East Buttress offer superb alpine climbing. Mt. Whitney can be combined with its neighbors Mt Muir and Mt Russell for three 14,000-foot peaks in one trip.

Mt Williamson, 14,389

Mt. Williamson is a large bulky peak with a fun 4th class chimney. We like to combine this ascent with its 14,000-foot neighbor, Mt. Tyndall, in our Tyndall and Williamson Ascents. Keep an eye out for big horn sheep in this area!

White Mountain Peak, 14,252

White Mountain Peak is part of the White Mountain Range, which runs along the California/Nevada border. This summit offers some of the most spectacular views of the Sierra Nevada. This is an easy hike from the White Mountain Road.

North Palisade, 14,258

North Palisade is a true mountaineer’s peak, as it is not easy from any direction. The easiest way is to enter via Bishop Pass and ascend via the Le Conte Route. The U-Notch is the classic ascent route from the east side. We include this as a part of our four-day California Fourteeners trip. North Palisade can also be combined with Starlight, Thunderbolt, Polemonium, and Mt Sill in our Palisades Traverse.

Mt Shasta, 14,179

A huge Cascade-type volcano, we do not guide this but recommend our friends at Shasta Mountain Guides.

Mt. Sill, 14,159

Mt. Sill is an impressive peak that can be seen from the valley floor. One of the great climbs of California’s High Sierra is the Swiss Arete, a great sweeping curve, steadily steepening as elevation is gained. We also include Mt. Sill as a part of our five-day Palisades High Peaks Camp.

Mt Russell, 14,094

Mt. Russell’s East Ridge is one of the most aesthetic ridge climbs in the Sierra. Or, the 5.9 Fishhook Arête is one of our guides’ favorite routes.

Split Mountain, 14,064

Formerly known as South Palisade, Split Mountain is a big hulk of a peak. The easiest route is via the east side above Red Lake.

Mt Langley, 14,032

Mt Langley’s, summit can be accessed via a 1-2 class route. We classify this as a hiking trip but the final section is on a user trail with some scrambling. The summit offers fantastic views and the route offers scenic camping in the Cottonwood Lakes Basin.

Mt Tyndall, 14,025

Mt. Tyndall’s north arête is another classic Sierra 4th-class ridge scramble. Combine this with Mt Williamson as a part of our Williamson/Tyndall Ascents.

Mt Muir, 14,018

Mt. Muir is Mt. Whitney’s neighbor. Just a short scramble from the Mt Whitney trail, or it can be combined with Mt. Whitney’s Mountaineers Route.

Middle Palisade, 14,018

The 4th class Middle Palisade Ascent is straightforward, but consistently engaging.

Thunderbolt, 14,003

Thunderbolt’s impressive summit block is barely 14,000 feet. A 3rd-4th class gully takes us to the 5.7 summit block. Summit Thunderbolt as a part of our California 14ers trip.


Finally, these two peaks are amongst the tallest in California, however, they have sparked controversy.  The US Geological Survey requires a peak to have at least 300 feet of “prominence” from its neighbors. These two peaks do not meet this qualification, but we consider them “bonus” peaks. They offer great climbing and are included in our Palisades Traverse.

Polemonium Peak, 14,200

Polemonium Peak may look easy at first, but the summit is protected by a deep gash that must be navigated around.

Starlight Peak, 14,200

Starlight Peak might be one of the hardest summits of them all. A monolithic granite block requires a pair of rock shoes to surmount – unless you are of the caliber of Norman Clyde and want to try it in hobnail boots.

Loading...