Eagle, Victoria Peaks Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Good camping and water can be found in the basin, but campfires are never allowed. We climbed on a windy day, and the wind was much stronger and more constant on the peaks and the ridge between them.

Compared to other off-trail Sierra peak climbs, this route is relatively safe, with no technical difficulties. There are no rock climbs or drop-offs and no piles of large talus to to make running difficult. The climb up to Eagle Peak and down from Victoria Peak is steep, but treking poles work well.

You could climb these peaks in a variety of ways. The easiest route starts from the low saddle between Eagle Creek and the basin below Eagle and Victoria Peaks. Make a moderate upward climb while traversing around to the western side of rocks on the ridge leading to Eagle Peak. Then climb up fairly steeply to the ridge above the rocks. Alternatively, my son and his friends reached this point by climbing up from Eagle Creek to a beautiful pond (tarn) south-east of Eagle Peak. The traverse south from there had some modestly scary spots, but then it as just a steep climb up the slope to this same spot next to the rocks.

From above the rocks, you can see the smooth slope that leads up to Eagle Peak. At least through early summer, water can be found in 2-3 shallow streams that emerge on slopes above. There are extraordinary views looking back towards Sawtooth Ridge on the other side of Robinson Creek. From Eagle Peak and all long the ridge to Victoria Peak, there are 360 degree views across the Hoover Wilderness, northern Yosemite and east to Nevada.

The ridge between Eagle and Victoria Peaks is broad and rounded, with only gentle ups and downs. From Victoria Peak just take the easiest route south and east, along the top of the ridge as it drops down to the creek flowing out of the basin. From there it is a very short climb back to the Eagle Creek Trail at the saddle.

Most of this terrain is above timberline with only a few low bushes.