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- Birch Mountain
13,666 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Birch Mountain
Birch Mountain is a 13,666 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Birch Lake Route: 16 mi, 7,930 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Justin.Johnsen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Birch Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,666 ft4,165 m
- RouteBirch Lake RouteClass 2
- Distance16 mi7,930 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Birch Lake Route
From Big Pine, drive Glacier Lodge Road west and McMurry Meadows Road south to Birch Creek; the side road to the Birch Lake trailhead needs 4WD, so many hikers park on the main road. The Birch Lake Trail climbs dry sage slopes well above the creek, with almost no water low down, and fades into willow thickets near the lake. From Birch Lake, a steep Class 2 boulder hop leads to the broad summit. Some parties instead climb the long east slopes straight from McMurry Meadows. Start early to beat the heat on the lower trail and carry plenty of water.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (55–75 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
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Birch Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Birch Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Birch Mountain?
Birch Mountain is 13,666 feet (4,165 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Birch Mountain?
The Birch Lake Route is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 7,930 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Birch Mountain?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Birch Lake Route, covering 16 miles with 7,930 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Birch Mountain?
The Birch Lake Route needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 7,930 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 Birch Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Birch Mountain reaches 13,666 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 Birch 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 Birch 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