Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | 7.6 miles round trip (add 0.8 mile round trip if you ascend both peaks) |
| Starting Elevation |
8150 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1350, -1350 to Sagehen Peak and +1400, -1400 to Crooked Peak (total is +1650, -1650 if you ascend both peaks) |
| Navigation | Map |
| Time | Most of a day |
| Season | December through mid-March |
| Snowmobiles Use | Low |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Cowtrack Mountain, Dexter Canyon |
| Start | Sagehen Summit on Highway 120 East, 16.6 miles east of Highway 395. A small parking space is usually plowed 0.1 mile east of the Sagehen Summit sign where Sagehen Meadows Road intersects the highway on its south side. Be aware that you can drive to this starting point only during periods when Highway 120 is plowed beyond its normal winter closure point. |
Description
The tour to Sagehen Peak and Crooked Peak, excellent objectives in the Sagehen Summit area, offer an opportunity to explore this ideal touring area and gain outstanding views of Mono Lake and the Sierra Crest, including the Minarets, Mt. Ritter, and Banner Peak. You can also use any time you have at the end of the day to further explore the area around the 8600-foot knob to the south of the trailhead.
Both Sagehen Peak and Crooked Peak are climbed from the saddle located between them. From the saddle the route to Sagehen Peak may have poor snow cover because it faces south, but the climb is easier than the one to Crooked Peak. The route to Crooked Peak gets better snow cover because it faces northeast, and advancing beginners can attempt ski techniques required to complete more difficult intermediate tours.
In clear weather navigation is normally quite easy. However, if Sagehen Peak, Crooked Peak and the 8600-foot knob are not visible, navigation becomes much more difficult because these peaks are the only significant landmarks along the route.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.0
Elevation change: +200
From the trailhead (1), ski south for 1.0 mile until you reach the west side of the 8600-foot knob (2). In this section, stay just below the rock outcroppings on the west side of the knob.
At the trailhead, you will probably see Sagehen Meadows Road, which leads to the saddle between Sagehen Peak and Crooked Peak. Do not try to follow the road since it passes through very flat terrain where it is impossible to recognize. Pick your own route as described in this tour.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.0 - 1.3
Elevation change: +100
Continue around the west side of the 8600-foot knob for 0.3 mile until you reach the saddle (3) on its south side.
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.3 - 1.7
Elevation change: -100
Descend gradually southeast for 0.4 mile until you reach the center of Sagehen Meadows (4). From the meadows you can see Sagehen Peak and Crooked Peak to the south and the saddle between them.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 1.7 - 3.4
Elevation change: +700
Ski southeast on the level terrain that grows gradually steeper for a total of 1.7 miles until you reach the saddle (5) between the two peaks. As you approach the saddle, enter a stand of aspen trees through which the road cut is very visible.
To reach Sagehen Peak from saddle
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 3.4 - 3.8
Elevation change: +200, -50
Ski north over a small knob and then to the summit of Sagehen Peak (6). If the sagebrush is visible, locate the jeep road 50 yards past the saddle and follow it north over the knob and to the summit.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.8 - 7.6
Elevation change: +150, -1200
Retrace the route for 3.8 miles back to the trailhead (1).
To reach Crooked Peak from saddle
Waypoint 5 to 7
Miles: 3.4 - 3.8
Elevation change: +300
Ski southwest for 100 yards through aspen trees, continue to climb southwest to the southeast ridge of the peak, and finally ascend to the northwest for a total of 0.4 mile until you reach the summit of Crooked Peak (7). As you climb, be aware of small overhangs.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 3.8 - 7.6
Elevation change: +100, -1300
Retrace the route for 3.8 miles back to the trailhead (1).
