The Palisades region of the Sierra Nevada is located west of the town of Big Pine. It includes some of the highest mountains in California, including Mt Gayley (4,117 m).

The easiest approach to Mt Gayley for a day hike is from the South Fork trailhead west of Big Pine via Glacier Notch. This South Fork trail starts at the Glacier Lodge (2300m) and reaches Willow Lake in 6.5 km at 2900m of elevation. Past the lake (often invisible in the summer, but there is a sign on the trail) is a good place to leave the trail and head west (right) following the unnamed creek that comes down from Mt Gayley.

The best way to coast the creek up from Willow Lake is to stay on its southern side, after crossing the tributaries coming down from the southern peaks. A use-trails appears and disappears on that side. The northern side of the Gayley creek is all talus rock and sand. At the second southern canyon you should reach a little pond and then a vast meadow. This is a good point to cross over to the other side of the creek, where a use trail leads through the now sandy terrain up the drainage.

Head west all the way past the waterfall (probably the right/northern side of Gayley creek becomes more affordable). The use trail on the northern side leads to the lake below the Sill glacier. This is a bowl with many little ridges. It is best to coast it to the right (north) to avoid going up and down all the time. Basically, head for Mt Gayley and continue west up the saddle between Mt Sill and Mt Gayley. That is Glacier Notch. If there is no snow/ice, this saddle is a steep ascent on loose scree. Once on top of it (easily one hour), head south to the (very visible) L-shaped notch between Apex Peak and Mt Sill (the north couloir). At the top of this notch the face of Gayley is fairly obvious. The southwest crest ("The Yellow Brick Road") is not to be underestimated though: it is tough class-3 for about one hour.

• Bridge: 30'
• Pass to Willow Lake: 1h45'
• Second canyon (the Palisade Crest drainage) at the meadow: 2h45'
• Third canyon (Elinore Lake canyon): 3h30'
• Sill glacier: 5h30'
• Top of Glacier Notch: 7h
• Summit: 8h

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