Banner Peak, Mountain summit in Madera County, United States

Banner Peak is the second tallest peak of the Ritter Range in California's Sierra Nevada, rising to 12,942 feet (3,945 m). Several glaciers lie on its slopes, and Garnet Lake, Lake Ediza and Thousand Island Lake sit at its foot. The easiest route to the summit is a class 2 climb from the west end of Thousand Island Lake and the saddle between Banner Peak and the slightly taller Mount Ritter.

Banner Peak was named in 1883 by Willard D. Johnson, a topographer with the USGS, who saw a banner cloud streaming from the summit. The sources record no first ascent by Johnson and Miller; the earliest climbing route noted is a class 2 from Thousand Island Lake to the saddle with Mount Ritter.

The peak stands within the Ansel Adams Wilderness, drawing photographers who capture its reflection in the waters of Thousand Island Lake.

Summer offers the most favorable climbing conditions when snow coverage is minimal and glaciers are most stable. Climbers should be well-equipped for high altitude mountaineering and prepared for rapid weather changes in the alpine environment.

The peak was named in 1883 by USGS topographer Willard D. Johnson, who saw a banner cloud streaming from the summit. The easiest route is a class 2 climb from the west end of Thousand Island Lake to the saddle between Banner Peak and the slightly taller Mount Ritter.