Telescope Peak

California Class 1 Panamint Range
Telescope Peak summit landscape
Rank 22

Elevation landscape

11,043 ft

Prominence height

6,168 ft

Difficulty signal_cellular_alt

Class 1

Est. Time schedule

1 day

Distance route

14 miles round-trip

Vert Gain trending_up

3,000 ft

Telescope Peak (Panamint Range) is most commonly climbed via the Telescope Peak Trail. Rated 5/10 difficulty, the standard ascent typically takes 1 day, covering roughly 14 miles with 3,000 feet of vertical gain. The summit stands at 11,043 ft with 6,168 ft of clean prominence — among the most topographically significant peaks in the lower 48.

Recommended Route

Telescope Peak Trail

Permits & Camping

Climbing Permits

No special climbing permit is required for Telescope Peak, though wilderness or park entry fees may apply. Peak season runs April-October.

Season & Access

Permit details pending editorial review

Safety Information

Technical Requirements

  • Altitude Acclimatization
  • Alpine Start
  • Off-Trail Navigation

Known Hazards

  • Altitude Sickness
  • Dehydration
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Exposure

Data source: PeakList.org (elevation, prominence); PeakBagger/SummitPost (route, class, hazards, permits)

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