Sierra Blanca Peak

New Mexico Class 2 Sacramento Mountains
Sierra Blanca Peak summit landscape
Rank 36

Elevation landscape

11,981 ft

Prominence height

5,533 ft

Difficulty signal_cellular_alt

Class 2

Est. Time schedule

1 day

Distance route

10 miles round-trip

Vert Gain trending_up

3,500 ft

Sierra Blanca Peak (Sacramento Mountains) is most commonly climbed via the Sierra Blanca Crest Trail. Rated 5/10 difficulty, the standard ascent typically takes 1 day, covering roughly 10 miles with 3,500 feet of vertical gain. The summit stands at 11,981 ft with 5,533 ft of clean prominence — among the most topographically significant peaks in the lower 48.

Recommended Route

Sierra Blanca Crest Trail

Permits & Camping

Climbing Permits

No special climbing permit is required for Sierra Blanca Peak, though wilderness or park entry fees may apply. Peak season runs June-September.

Season & Access

Year-round (Mescalero Apache tribal permit)

Safety Information

Technical Requirements

  • Alpine Start
  • Altitude Acclimatization
  • Loose Rock Scrambling
  • Off-Trail Navigation

Known Hazards

  • Dehydration
  • Heat Exhaustion
  • Altitude Sickness
  • Lightning Exposure
  • Loose Rock & Scree
  • Exposed Scrambling

Data source: PeakList.org (elevation, prominence); PeakBagger/SummitPost (route, class, hazards, permits)

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