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- Black Mountain
13,288 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Black Mountain
Black Mountain is a 13,288 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slopes from the Baxter Pass Trail: 20 mi, 7,915 ft of gain, Class 2.
Black Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,288 ft4,050 m
- RouteNorth Slopes from the Baxter Pass TrailClass 2
- Distance20 mi7,915 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slopes from the Baxter Pass Trail
From Independence, drive north on US 395 about 2 miles, turn west on Fish Hatchery Road and follow North Oak Creek Road to the Baxter Pass trailhead at its end. The unmaintained Baxter Pass Trail climbs North Fork Oak Creek through willow thickets, flood damage and several crossings. In the high meadows where the trail turns north toward the pass, go southwest into the cirque between Black Mountain and Diamond Peak and climb a Class 2 chute and talus to the top. North-facing snow stays steep into summer. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for an overnight, and this is Sierra Nevada bighorn sheep habitat.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
Quests with Black Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Black Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Black Mountain?
Black Mountain is 13,288 feet (4,050 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Black Mountain?
The North Slopes from the Baxter Pass Trail is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 7,915 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Black Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the North Slopes from the Baxter Pass Trail, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Black Mountain?
The North Slopes from the Baxter Pass Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 20 miles with 7,915 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Black Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Black Mountain reaches 13,288 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 Black Mountain?
The usual hiking window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Black 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