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- East Vidette
12,351 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
East Vidette
East Vidette is a 12,351 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Chute and East Ridge: 25 mi, 6,865 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Marko Bajzer, CC BY-SA 2.0
East Vidette at a glance
- Elevation12,351 ft3,764 m
- RouteSoutheast Chute and East RidgeClass 3
- Distance25 mi6,865 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Chute and East Ridge
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road to the Onion Valley trailhead, hike over Kearsarge Pass, and descend past Bullfrog Lake to the John Muir Trail and Vidette Meadow. Walk the JMT a short way toward Center Basin, cross Bubbs Creek, and climb granite slabs into the broad Class 2 chute on the peak's southeast side. It tops out on the East Ridge, where scree and easy broken rock lead to the summit and a single exposed Class 3 move gains the top block above the north face. Plan two or three days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight approach.
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
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Storms
Quests with East Vidette
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near East Vidette
Frequently asked questions
How tall is East Vidette?
East Vidette is 12,351 feet (3,764 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb East Vidette?
The Southeast Chute and East Ridge 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: 25 miles with 6,865 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb East Vidette?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Chute and East Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is East Vidette dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 East Vidette?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Chute and East Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb East Vidette?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and East Vidette reaches 12,351 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 East Vidette?
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 East Vidette 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