Sawtooth Peak and Lamont Benchmark

Owens Peak Wilderness, CA
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Trip info

Distance12.8 mi
Elevation gain4,000 ft
Route typeOut & back
Duration5 hr
CruxClass 2
Quality5/10

Peaks bagged

1
Sawtooth Peak
SPS
8,000 ft / Prom. 1,720 ft
2
Lamont Benchmark
7,621 ft / Prom. 781 ft
SPS
Sierra Peaks Section

Trip report

Starting along the PCT from Canebrake Road.
View back toward Canebrake Road.
View toward Lamont Benchmark (left) and Lamont Pinnacles (right) from the PCT.
The contours Sawtooth Peak's western spur ridge, gradually gaining elevation.
Approaching the saddle between Sawtooth Peak and Lamont Benchmark.
Passing through a short wooded area.
View back as I climb out of a small creek.
Leaving the PCT the climber's left, headed up Sawtooth Peak's south ridge.
Picking up a use trail on the lower section of the ridge.
Crossing a flat burn area. Sawtooth Peak is seen for the first time on the right.
Steep, sandy ascent.
View back toward Lamont Benchmark.
Low Class 2 along the ridge crest.
Another view back.
Final push to Sawtooth Peak.
Class 2 below the summit.
Sawtooth Peak summit. View along the east ridge. In the distance are West Boulder Peak and Boulder Peak.
View south into the Owens Wilderness. Owens Peak is on the far left. On the right, Lamont Pinnacles peek out from behind Lamont Benchmark.
View north toward the Central Sierra. Olancha Peak is on the right.
After descending Sawtooth Peak (left), view back toward the saddle from a switchback along the PCT.
Gaining a minor saddle to the east of Lamont Benchmark.
View toward Lamont Benchmark shortly before leaving the PCT.
Starting up Lamont Benchmark's east ridge.
Approaching a cliff band. From here, my route contours to the climber's right.
Gaining the ridge.
View back from a flat section along the ridge.
Lamont Benchmark ahead.
Lamont Benchmark summit block, climbed via a small but airy step on the left.
Lamont Benchmark summit. View west toward Lamont Peak.
View south toward Spanish Needle and Owens Peak.
View north toward Sawtooth Peak.
Back at the saddle, returning the way I came.

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