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- Bloody Mountain
12,547 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Bloody Mountain
Bloody Mountain is a 12,547 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge: 11 mi, 5,250 ft of gain, Class 2.
Bloody Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,547 ft3,824 m
- RouteNortheast RidgeClass 2
- Distance11 mi5,250 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge
From Mammoth Lakes, follow Old Mammoth Road to the dirt Sherwin Creek Road and park where Laurel Lakes Road heads south. The Forest Service reports severe washouts on that steep 4WD road, so plan to walk it up Laurel Canyon. Near the fork below the lakes, take the trail southeast to the broad saddle between Laurel and Bloody mountains. From the saddle, a use trail climbs the Class 2 northeast ridge over loose shale and several false summits to the top. The canyon is hot and shadeless, so carry water and start early. Fall aspens make it popular in October.
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
- Loose rock
- Dry conditions
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Bloody Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Bloody Mountain?
Bloody Mountain is 12,547 feet (3,824 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Bloody Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 5,250 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Bloody Mountain?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge, covering 11 miles with 5,250 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Bloody Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 5,250 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 Bloody Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Bloody Mountain reaches 12,547 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 Bloody 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 Bloody 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