Pyramid Peak Hike

Trip Date:  10/06/2012

Distance: 7.5 Miles

Vertical Gain: 4100'

Group Size: 2

Hike Rating:  Easy   Moderate    Hard    Strenuous		 Pyramid Peak Route
See video of this hike   See video of hike   Download GPXGPX for this trip

Pyramid Peak Elevation Profile
Start Coordinates:   N 38 48.465, W 120 08.214     End Coordinates:   Same as Start Coordinates  
Car Shuttle Req'd:   No
Parking Directions:   Take Highway 50 to the parking coordinates just east of the town of Strawberry.  The actual parking spot has room for about three cars immediately to the east of an electronic freeway sign on the south side of the road.
Hazards of Note:   This entire hike is cross country.  Finding the trail head from highway 50 is a little difficult.  The trailhead is located on the north side at N 38 48.513, W 120 08.157.
Crowd Factor:   Minimal.  This is a quick way to the top of Pyramid but very challenging and not for the inexperienced. 
General Notes:
From the parking area, walk east to the highway bridge and cross highway 50 when it is clear and safe.  Find the use trail beginning at the coordinates N 38 48.513, W 120 08.157, and head up this use trail through Rocky Canyon for the rest of the trip.  It is not an official trail, but easy to navigate.  The only issue is the lack of any type of switchbacks and it just climbs straight up the side of the mountain.
Near the top the trail ends at the large granite boulders, which you will have to scramble up to attain the peak.

Since this is a hike into Desolation Wilderness, you will need a day permit (closest trailhead is at Pyramid Creek a mile east up the road) and the group size limit is 12.


Parking spot on Highway 50 just past the electronic sign. Parking spot on Highway 50

Lover's Leap from near the start of the hike. Lover's Leap near start

Dustin headed up the very steep trail. Dustin heading up

First glimpse of the peak through the trees. First glimpse of the peak from far below

Last rocky section to the top with boulders as big as cars. Rocky section before summit

Dustin almost to the top with Sayles Canyon in the background -- Lover's Leap is far down on the left side. Dustin close to the top

Dustin absolutely thrilled to be at the summit. Dustin at the peak

View northeast from the summit overlooking Lake Aloha and seeing Mt. Tallac in the distance. View from the summit

Greg and Dustin at the top of the mountain. Greg and Dustin at the peak

Dustin taking a quick break at the top of the mountain. Dustin resting up from the long climb

Looking west from the top of the peak. Looking west from the peak

GPS Track of the full hike.. GPS Track of Hike