{"id":10921,"date":"2022-10-30T18:41:16","date_gmt":"2022-10-30T18:41:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/?page_id=10921"},"modified":"2022-10-30T18:41:18","modified_gmt":"2022-10-30T18:41:18","slug":"arnot-peak","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thehuntindaddy.com\/index.php\/peak-bagging\/arnot-peak\/","title":{"rendered":"Arnot Peak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ebbett’s Pass seems to be a forgotten area of the Sierras. It’s so easy to overlook, however, with amazing peaks like Arnot Peak, don’t make that mistake.<\/p>\n

Rising to 10,054 feet, Arnot Peak is wonderful perch to view and look over the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness<\/a> area. With a trail going 2\/3’s of the way, this makes for a great beginner back country hike.<\/p>\n

Getting There<\/h4>\n

The closest approach is from the Gardiner Meadow Trailhead which is located at Highland Lakes off of Ebbett’s Pass. Drive up Highway and west of the official pass is Highland Lakes Road. This road winds about 6 back to the lakes where there is a campground.<\/p>\n

The first section is paved, although further down it turns to dirt. After driving this road, I think most cars can get back there if driven carefully.<\/p>\n

Before arriving at the first lake, turn left and pull into the large parking area.<\/p>\n\"Gardiner\n

The Trail<\/h4>\n

Following the Gardiner Meadow Trail is easy. It starts out by doing some ups and downs before entering the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The sign is missing, although the post remains. Shortly after passing the post, the trail makes a split near a large log, make sure to stay right.<\/p>\n

\"Gardiner

Unmarked split. Stay right.<\/p><\/div>\n

Eventually, the trail crosses right through Upper Gardiner Meadow. The large mountain off to the left is not Arnot Peak, however, you will be ascending the right side of it to get there. At the end of the meadow, there is a trail marker showing the Arnot Creek Trail and Disaster Creek Trail. Follow the Disaster Creek Trail.<\/p>\n

\"Gardiner

Walking through Upper Gardiner Meadow<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Gardiner

Trail junction at end of Upper Gardiner Meadow.<\/p><\/div>\n

Once through the meadow, cross up and over a small little hill that will drop you into the forest. A small meadow appears on the right and another larger meadow is on the left. At the front end of this meadow, there is a junction to Half Moon Lake. Turn right and follow the Disaster Creek Trail to the far end of the meadow.<\/p>\n

\"Disaster

Disaster Creek Trail goes straight down meadow.<\/p><\/div>\n

You will notice some gullies to the left. At this point, break off trail and climb the gully up the ridge line.<\/p>\n

\"Arnot

Look back at the gully<\/p><\/div>\n

The steepest section of the hike begins. The cows do a nice job making trails in the brush, however, they never go the way you want them to. Keep climbing towards a rocky outcrop. The first set is dark rock which you will bypass on the left.<\/p>\n

\"Arnot

Head towards the large rock in top of pic.<\/p><\/div>\n

This leads to another steep hill and rock outcrop above. Climb the hill and make some class 2 moves through the rocks and you will finally see the summit of Arnot Peak across the saddle.<\/p>\n

\"Arnot

Arnot Peak summit area<\/p><\/div>\n

The Summit<\/h4>\n

The final ascent across the saddle is easy walking and gains about 400 feet. There is a light use trail in spots and it leads right up to the volcanic summit block. There are three contenders for the highpoint. Once on the summit, it’s pretty clear that you are actually higher than the other two.<\/p>\n

\"Arnot

Arnot Peak summit block<\/p><\/div>\n

Views of Highland Peak<\/a>, Disaster Peak, Tryon Peak<\/a>, Airola Peak, and Stanislaus Peak are amazing. There is even a clear view to Mount Tallac<\/a>, the Crystal Range, Red Lake Peak, Stevens Peak, and Round Top.<\/p>\n

\"Arnot

View towards Round Top, Red Lake Peak, Stevens Peak, and Mount Tallac.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Arnot

View to Emma Peak (L), Walker Mountain (C), and Stanislaus Peak (R).<\/p><\/div>\n

The Sweetwaters and Desert Creek Peak<\/a> are in plain view to the east.<\/p>\n

The Final Word<\/h4>\n

Arnot Peak is a fun peak to climb. With a good trail and easy terrain, I think this is a nice peak to get your feet wet in back country and cross-country travel. As always, know your limitations and download a GPS track to follow. The mileage and gain are very moderate making this a peak that you can combo with something else in the area. Hiram and Folger Peaks near Highland Lakes being the top choices!<\/p>\n

If you haven’t found your way over to Ebbett’s Pass, give it a try. It’s a beautiful area of the Sierras.<\/p>\n