Sundial Peak (Lake Blanche Extension)

Sundial Peak is the dramatic peak that rises abruptly to the south-southeast of Lake Blanche.  As you gaze at its sheer face from Lake Blanche, the mere thought of climbing to its summit would seem next to impossible for the average hiker.  While the final stretch of this hike requires some careful scrambling, reaching the summit of this peak is easier than it appears.  Upon studying the USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic map, you will notice that Sundial Peak (not listed by name on the map) forms the terminus of a ridge that extends northward from a nameless 11,033-foot peak.  It is from this ridge that the easiest approach to the summit of Sundial Peak is made.

From the north shore of Lake Blanche, the route is accessed by crossing the dam on the right side (west end) of the lake.  The last time I hiked in this area there was a breach in the dam where the stream runs through it, which may require some careful negotiating to stay dry.  Once on the other side, head for the sloping terrace to the right (west) of Sundial Peak just below the hanging valley.  As you ascend this terrace parallel to the cliffs on your left (east), it will curve a little to the left into a small basin.  The hiking gets noticeably steeper at this point as you veer more to the left up a boulder-strewn slope into a higher basin.  In this higher basin the cliffs basically disappear, and you climb more of a vegetative steep slope in a northeasterly direction to the upper bowl of the hanging valley.  At this point, Sundial Peak comes into full view again – although much different looking than from Lake Blanche.  The upper bowl area provides a good spot to rest and/or have lunch before the final stretch of the climb.  From this area, work your way eastward towards the low point along the Sundial Peak ridgeline.  Once the ridgeline is gained and you start working your way northward towards the summit, the exposure becomes readily apparent – particularly off to the right (east).  While the ridgeline is passable to the 10,320-foot summit of Sundial Peak, careful, non-rushed traversing is required that's not for the faint of heart.  In the end though, you are rewarded with spectacular views in all directions.  Distance from the north shore of Lake Blanche is approximately 1.5 miles one-way (4.5 miles from the Mill B Trailhead) with an elevation gain of 1,450 feet (4,120 feet from the trailhead).

View looking north at Sundial Peak
from the upper bowl area

View of Lake Blanche and Mill B Fork
Canyon from the summit of Sundial Peak