High alpine peak in the Palisades - California's most alpine mountain group. Has a commanding view of the surrounding area. Most usually accessed from the east, via North Fork of Big Pine Creek.

The eastern approach:

From Big Pine on 395 drive up the road to Glacier Lodge, trailhead is signed on the right.

Hike up the North Fork of Big Pine Creek past Cienega Mirth, Lon Chaney's old cabin, and First, Second, and Third (spectacular views of Temple Crag) Lakes, then instead of continuing on to Fourth Lake turn south and up into Sam Mack Meadow. This is where I usually camp (6 miles, 3,400 ft of elevation gain). People staying more than a couple of days may want to cross the creek and head up the glacier trail to primitive sites either below the Palisade Glacier Moraine, or on the Moraine (1.25 miles, 1,100 more feet of gain).

Standard descent is via the North Couloir - which is non-trivial. The Northwest Face can also be descended via rappel but is not recommended.