South Tarryall Peak

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Lake · River/Creek · Views

The run combines Lizard Rock Trail #628 and Hankins Pass Trail #630, then deviates off the system trails and heads off towards the peak. Lizard Rock is named as such for the prominent rock formation shaped like a lizard (sort of—most in my group thought it looked more like a turtle). Tarryall Peak itself offers good views of the surrounding ranges as well as a small sliver of history with two United States Coast and Geodetic Survey markers at the former survey site.

Restrooms are present at the very beginning of the route at Spruce Grove Campground and are open year round. There are a number of spots where one could camp along Lizard Rock and Hankins Pass.

From Hankins Pass, getting to Tarryall Peak requires off-trail travel, and is not marked as a system trail on the map. Getting to the peak includes sections of off-trail travel. Please ensure you are equipped and well prepared before venturing beyond official and mapped terrain. These areas may or may not be regularly patrolled and access to help may be limited.

The trail begins at the Spruce Grove campground and follows Lizard Rock Trail #628 to its junction with Hankins Pass Trail #630. Immediately as you begin Lizard Rock, there will be a footbridge crossing over a stream and then a large boulder passage. The trail initially runs parallel to private property so mind the fence. Turn onto Hankins Pass Trail #630 (hang a right at the junction) and follow the trail for approximately 1.5 miles until you reach a clearing with multiple trails to pick from.

At this clearing, head south, the opposite direction of Lake Park Trail, towards a large rock formation. At the rock, stick to the right and begin to circle around to its other side (south), but don't go too far—just follow the edge of the rock and continue south, essentially. Once you've made your way past the rock, you should see the peak off in the distance, and it's time to start climbing.

Continue south, ascending into the forest for approximately 900' at which time you'll find yourself on top of the saddle leading to the peak. Head west and you'll very quickly (within a few tenths of a mile) escape the forest and find yourself at the base of the peak. From here it's just another 100-200 feet of scrambling up to reach the peak which stands at approximately 11,200 ft.

South Tarryall Peak was used in the 1960s by the then named United States Coast and Geodetic Survey (Now National Geodetic Survey) for survey purposes of the area. The peak has two markers branding the USC&GS name, though the equipment once used is no longer present.