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- Deerhorn Mountain
13,279 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Deerhorn Mountain
Deerhorn Mountain is a 13,279 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Buttress: 28 mi, 8,790 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.5
Deerhorn Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,279 ft4,047 m
- RouteNortheast ButtressClass 3
- Distance28 mi8,790 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Buttress
From Independence on US 395, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Cross Kearsarge Pass, pass Bullfrog Lake to the John Muir Trail, and descend to Vidette Meadow. Cross Bubbs Creek and follow a faint use trail up the west side of Vidette Creek past the Vidette Lakes. Climb the Class 3 Northeast Buttress of the lower northwest peak, traverse sandy ledges down to the notch, and scramble to the small southeast summit. The scree at the base of the buttress needs care. Plan two or three days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required, and Kearsarge Pass quotas fill early.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- High altitude
- Storms
Quests with Deerhorn Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Deerhorn Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Deerhorn Mountain?
Deerhorn Mountain is 13,279 feet (4,047 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Deerhorn Mountain?
The Northeast Buttress is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 28 miles with 8,790 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Deerhorn Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Northeast Buttress, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Deerhorn Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Deerhorn Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Northeast Buttress, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Deerhorn Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Deerhorn Mountain reaches 13,279 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 climb Deerhorn Mountain?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Deerhorn 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