Hike Olancha Peak Inyo National Forest, CA

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Olancha Peak stands tall as the southern gatekeeper to the Sierra Nevada, the first real alpine giant you see rising above the Owens Valley as you drive up CA-395. It grabbed my attention not just because of its impressive topographic prominence, but because it feels oddly isolated, set apart from the taller Sierra crest farther north and standing off on its own as the southern Sierra’s alpine beast. As an enthusiast for avoiding snow, I was stuck in an awkward seasonal limbo when trying to properly time this hike. It’s too hot in the foothills later in the season, but too snowy higher up much of the other times of year. Luckily, I found my sweet spot and snuck in a hike from the Olancha Pass Trailhead.

The Olancha Pass Trail starts off innocently enough within the foothills of the southern Sierra. The trail quickly begins ascending above a small creek, winding through trees along the slopes and progressively getting higher above the gurgling water.

A more direct “cow trail” option forked off to the left, but I stuck with the hiker trail. Though I considered heading down the “cow trail” on my way back, it looks steep and not very pretty. So I instead took the longer hiker trail in both directions which had views, despite its additional mileage. A series of switchbacks helped gain elevation, and the views began to open up, including a brief look at the crest above. Eventually the climb eased off and the trail cut across gentler slopes, then crested a minor ridge before the final stretch to Olancha Pass.

Past Olancha Pass, the terrain softened and the trail weaved through peaceful forest just to the right of Summit Meadow, a broad clearing edged with scattered pines. It’s marked as a water feature on most maps, but is only a grassy clearing. I followed the trail around to the north side of the meadow and reached a junction that took a spur trail that spit me onto the Pacific Crest Trail.

As I climbed again, now on the PCT, the forest opened up for a time to give way to a stretch of brushy meadow. Granitic boulders popped out of the landscape. A section of the trail contoured along the slope with excellent views, and I spotted the Dome Land Wilderness in the distance.

After some more forest hiking, Olancha Peak finally came into view, and as I reached its base I tried to determine the best spot to leave the PCT. The slope up was steep but totally manageable, never harder than Class 2 if you pick your line carefully. You can definitely leave the PCT earlier than on my attached map, but that route was brushier and more bouldery, so I’d recommend sticking to the PCT a bit longer and leaving roughly where I did (my attached map highlights this brush-free option). This way was easier, mostly just a dirt slope with some scattered rocks.

Olancha Peak now dominated the center of my view as I cleared the tree line. A storm was looming dangerously close, and it was clear it wouldn’t let up anytime soon. In a frantic rush to reach the summit and avoid lightning, I nearly gave myself a heart attack. It’s funny how every summer I forget the stress thunderstorms bring to the alpine, but usually, I’m not reminded of it on my very first alpine peak of the year.

Nearing the summit boulder cluster, the granite chunks got bigger. I recommend keeping left and ascending from the west to avoid a sudden jump into Class 3 terrain or harder when coming from the south. I barely stayed long enough to get photos before dashing back to the PCT.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Olancha Peak

12129 ft

3137 rise

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Olancha Pass Trailhead.

Along the Olancha Pass Trail, ascending above a creek.

The trail enters the drainage, staying well above the creek bed.

View back toward the trailhead.

Some switchbacks leading out of the creek. A "Cow Trail" leads more directly up the drainage, seen left.

Gaining elevation along the many switchbacks.

View back down into the drainage toward the trailhead.

Ascending toward Olancha Pass.

Briefly along the slopes.

Nearing the top of the initial slope ascent.

The trail crests a minor ridge before continuing up to Olancha Pass.

View toward Olancha Pass (right).

View back, nearing Olancha Pass. Round Mountain seen on the right.

Olancha Pass.

Continuing north.

Some lovely forest walking. The trail stays just to the right of Summit Meadow.

View of Summit Meadow from its north side.

Junction sour to join the Pacific Crest Trail.

Some views through the trees, just before reaching the PCT.

Along the PCT, ascending the slopes.

View back.

The brushy meadows were a stark change from the previous forest walking.

The trail contours for a bit, with great views to the west.

View back along the PCT.

Close-up southwest toward the Dome Land Wilderness.

After some more forest walking, Olancha Peak came into view.

The slope was steep, but didn't exceed Class 2.

Choosing well means terrain like this.

And choosing poorly means ascending through brush, like this. My map only includes the basically brush-free option I found.

Olancha Peak seen center.

Higher up, looking back down at the steep slope.

Approaching the summit. I recommend keeping left around the large boulders. Coming directly south means Class 3/3+ terrain.

View back just before reaching the summit.

Olancha Peak summit, view south.

Olancha Peak summit, view north.

Close-up northwest.

View east down into Owens Valley.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!