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- Basin Mountain
13,188 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Basin Mountain
Basin Mountain is a 13,188 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope via Horton Lake: 14 mi, 5,600 ft of gain, Class 2.
Basin Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,188 ft4,019 m
- RouteWest Slope via Horton LakeClass 2
- Distance14 mi5,600 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Slope via Horton Lake
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west about 7 miles and turn right on Buttermilk Road, a rough dirt road, then follow the signed Horton Lakes spur to the locked gate. High clearance helps on the final stretch. Walk the old mining road to Horton Lake, contour around its south side, and go cross-country up the drainage past small tarns. Climb the sandy Class 2 west slope, keeping to the northern line; the southern line leads to a false summit with Class 3 moves. The mining road is hot and shadeless, so start early and carry plenty of water. Afternoon storms are common in summer.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- Dry conditions
- Loose rock
- Rapid weather shifts
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Basin Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Basin Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Basin Mountain?
Basin Mountain is 13,188 feet (4,019 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Basin Mountain?
The West Slope via Horton Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 5,600 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Basin Mountain?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the West Slope via Horton Lake, covering 14 miles with 5,600 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Basin Mountain?
The West Slope via Horton Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 5,600 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Basin Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Basin Mountain reaches 13,188 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to hike Basin Mountain?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Basin Mountain with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list