The 13er list is now fully adjusted to Lidar values for all 13ers and to List of John. We have included cross references to old elevations to help users keep better track of their ascents. See our Home page (Things You Should Know) for more details.
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Garrett & Martin list this peak as UN 13524 A. Lists of John assign the name "Cataract Peak" to help distinguish from UN 13524 (Peak of the Clouds) on the Rito Alto Quad. USGS quad shows the high point east of the Tundra Top-Cataract connecting ridge. Google Earth shows a higher elevation more to the west end of the summit ridge. GE elevations we do not find to be all that accurate. Lidar measurements added 17 feet to this summit.
Cataract Peak is most easily climbed by going over the summit of UN13,450 otherwise known as "Tundra Top" or some older sources called it "Meadow Mtn." While Tundra Top is a mellow Class 1 hike, we'll give Cataract a Class 2 rating because of some scree conditions to manage. Our suggested route involves a backpack trip into this area from Carson Pass. A 4WD vehicle will be required for this route. If you don't have 4WD, then the best access point will be the Cataract Gulch Trail. More about that in the route description area.