Sonora Peak CA

• 4-star hike
• 4 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,980 ft | Peak 11,431 ft
• Sonora Pass, CA
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The image shows a person hiking on a mountainous terrain with snow patches. The hiker is using trekking poles and is dressed in outdoor gear, including a red jacket and a white cap. The background features several mountain peaks, some of which are partially covered in snow, and a vast landscape extending into the distance. The scene captures the rugged beauty and challenge of high-altitude hiking.

The image shows a person hiking on a mountainous terrain with snow patches. The hiker is using trekking poles and is dressed in outdoor gear, including a red jacket and a white cap. The background features several mountain peaks, some of which are partially covered in snow, and a vast landscape extending into the distance. The scene captures the rugged beauty and challenge of high-altitude hiking.

In stark contrast to the bustling crowds of Yosemite, the Stanislaus National Forest offers adventurous hikers open roads, dramatic scenery, and a refreshing absence of tour buses. Nestled at the highest point of CA-108, Sonora Pass stands at an impressive 9,500 feet, making it the second-highest mountain pass in the Sierra Nevada range. Here lies the trailhead to Sonora Peak, an 11,431-foot summit that promises spectacular alpine vistas without the crowds.

The journey begins at Sonora Pass, where the trail leads through fragrant pine forests before opening into expansive high mountain meadows. During early summer, snowmelt-swollen creeks crisscross the landscape, while midsummer brings vibrant blankets of wildflowers in purples, yellows, and reds. Snow patches often linger into July at these elevations, but hikers venturing out in late summer will find relatively straightforward terrain.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Sonora Peak Trail 4.0 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,980ft (peak 11,431ft)
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

P Free parking

What makes this four-mile out-and-back trail particularly appealing is its moderate difficulty balanced with extraordinary rewards. The path maintains gentle gradients for most of the journey, first climbing to St. Mary's Pass, then traversing across gently sloping alpine plains. Only the final ascent presents a challenge, where well-built switchbacks help negotiate the steepest sections of the climb.

Upon reaching the 11,431-foot summit, hikers are greeted with panoramic views stretching across the Sierra Nevada range. A stone wind shelter provides welcome protection from the often-fierce mountain winds, allowing visitors to catch their breath, sign the summit register, and absorb the breathtaking 360-degree vistas of pristine wilderness. Due to its high elevation hikers should pace themselves, stay well-hydrated, and pack layers of clothing to accommodate rapidly changing mountain weather conditions.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a mountain range with snow patches on the peaks and slopes. The foreground consists of a grassy meadow with a dirt path leading towards the mountains. There are scattered trees throughout the meadow and extending up the slopes of the mountains. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

The image shows a scenic landscape featuring a mountain range with snow patches on the peaks and slopes. The foreground consists of a grassy meadow with a dirt path leading towards the mountains. There are scattered trees throughout the meadow and extending up the slopes of the mountains. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a sunny day.

The image shows a scenic view of a mountainous area with a trailhead sign in the foreground. The sign reads 'ST. MARY'S PASS TRAILHEAD' and points to the left. The background features a mountain with patches of snow and a dense forest of evergreen trees. The sky is clear and blue, indicating a bright and sunny day.

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