Mount Kaweah

Mount Kaweah rises to 13,807 feet and forms the highest point of the Kaweah Peaks Ridge within the Great Western Divide of the Sierra Nevada. This summit is part of a ridge system defined by sharp crests and rocky formations that separate major watersheds.

Frederick Wales, William Wallace, and James Wright made the first recorded ascent in September 1881, marking an important moment in Sierra Nevada exploration. This early climb was part of the broader wave of mountaineering activity that expanded through the range during the late 1800s.

The name comes from the Kawai people of the Yokuts, who lived in the valleys below and held strong ties to these lands. This naming reflects the deep indigenous presence that shaped the region for centuries.

The climb to the summit requires experience and proper alpine gear, especially for navigating the exposed ridges and steep sections of the route. Visitors should plan for high-altitude conditions and aim for the summer months when weather is most stable and snow clears the upper reaches.

The southern slopes are home to Foxtail Pine trees, a rare species found only in specific high-altitude zones of the Sierra Nevada range. These trees are adapted to extreme cold and thin air, and their twisted forms are shaped by the harsh mountain conditions.

Location: California

Location: Tulare County

Part of: Sierra Peaks Section Peaks List

GPS coordinates: 36.52611,-118.47852

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00