Middle Palisade Peak (14,012′, 4271m) is located along the crest of the Sierra. It is the center peak of an impressive ridgeline that includes seven California 14ers. The NE Face rises above the Middle Palisade glacier and offers an enjoyable 3rd class climb on good quality rock.
Avery Wear joined Kurt Wedberg for a climb of Middle Palisade Peak. Getting a predawn start from the parking lot the sun rose during our approach and lit up “Middle Pal” in a beautiful orange morning glow and reminded us once again why the Sierra is nicknamed the Range of Light.
Middle Palisade Peak is the high point left of center.
Passing by Brainard and Finger Lakes the terrain consists of boulder hopping as the landscape opens up and provides views of the entire area. We then cross south under the toe of the Middle Palisade Glacier then ascend a moraine that splits the glacier in two and leads directly to the start of the route. From here we cross the glacier and ascend a ramp that leads to over 800 feet of 3rd class climbing that bring us to the top of the peak. Middle Palisade Peak features a summit block and barely enough room for a handful of people to sit comfortably.
Reaching the summit at lunchtime we enjoyed a beautiful 360 degree clear view of the Sierra before our descent reaching the parking lot mid afternoon.
Here are a few pictures. The rest are here: Middle Palisade Peak August 11, 2010.
"Middle Pal" and the Middle Palisade Glacier.
Looking up at the NE Face of Middle Palisade Peak from the moraine.
Avery high on the NE Face of Middle Palisade Peak.
Avery making some of the final moves below the summit.
Avery on the summit block that sits atop Middle Palisade Peak
Kurt and Avery pose for a summit photo.
Thanks Avery for a great climb!!