Merriam Peak  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Elevation:  13,077' Lat, Long:  37.3088, -118.7651 Map Page Views:  11,591. Good page?    Administrators:  Chris Owen, M.Morley, Sam Vanderhyden, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Chris Owen on Jan 4, 2008 Make this area a Favorite What's New   Print a Mini-Guide with routes Add Route  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event  Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 77° | 39° 73° | 41° 79° | 43° 79° | 45° 77° | 45°

Merriam Peak on the left - North Buttress goes up ...

Description 

The middle of a trio of peaks (Royce, Merriam, Feather) which enclose the west side of the Royce Lakes Cwm - or Hall of the Mountain Gods as I call it. As such the area is unique in the High Sierra, as the peaks immediately west of the official crest are higher than the crest peaks.

Not only is there a classic IV 5.10 on the north buttress of this peak, but there has also been significant new route development there in the last few years, by Peter Croft, Lisa Rands and others.

Getting There 

Take the Pine Creek Road off Highway 395 to the Pine Creek trailhead, by the Tungsten Mill. Hike up an old road switchbacking its way monotonously up to the forest, then round the corner and into the much better scenery at Pine Lake. Head around the north side of the lake and take the trail, past Upper Pine Lake, to Honeymoon Lake, continue to follow the trail to Granite Park – but cut south west when above the lake and head cross-country up and over Royce Pass (11,680ft). Head straight west to a wonderful gravel spot just north of the middle (largest) of Royce Lakes. A spectacular place.

Alternate route recommended by Squiddo and more than likely easier:

On the way back we took the alternate approach that heads West from the Southern end of the Royce Lakes Basin and travels across some very pleasant terrain to meet the Pine Creek Pass trail right below French lake above Pine Creek pass itself. The second part of this trail was very well cairned out and obviously used/loved/maintained.

Perhaps 1 hour max from the end of Royce Lakes to the Pine Lake Pass trail.

The Classics

Featured Route For Merriam Peak

The Flying Buttress 5.11  CA : High Sierra : Merriam Peak

This route takes an improbable and steep line straight up the North Buttress of Merriam. This was originally reported to the AAC as the Croft-Rands Left. After one approach pitch there are four stunning pitches of steep cracks and exciting moves before the route rejoins the North Buttress route.P1. 5.8 45m From the small ledge on top of the toe of Merriam head up a shallow dihedral for 50 feet before stepping right around the corner onto easier ground. Continue up until you can step left onto a...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Merriam Peak Slideshow

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Great day... new route?? If anyone has done any FA...	Merriam Peak's North Buttress highlighted by early...	Weird evening light on Merriam Peak in some nasty ...
Early morning light on Merriam Peak in Royce Lakes...	BETA PHOTO: Some recent inquiries inspired me to post another ...	BETA PHOTO: The classic triple crack pitch
BETA PHOTO: Looking back down the 2nd pitch, linked easily wit...	The third pitch headed up towards the corner	BETA PHOTO: North Buttress of Merriam Peak
moonlit Merriam