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- English Mountain
8,373 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
English Mountain
English Mountain is an 8,373 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Cross-country from Tollhouse Lake: 3 mi, 1,300 ft of gain, Class 2.

English Mountain at a glance
- Elevation8,373 ft2,552 m
- RouteCross-country from Tollhouse LakeClass 2
- Distance3 mi1,300 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Cross-country from Tollhouse Lake
From Truckee, drive Highway 89 north and follow Jackson Meadows Road past the reservoir to Meadow Lake Road, then continue west to the Tollhouse Lake area. The road beyond Meadow Lake is very rough, with loose rock and steep pitches, so a high-clearance vehicle is needed. No maintained trail reaches the summit. Walk cross-country through open forest, low brush, and boulder fields, then pick a Class 2 line through the rocky summit ridge, where the high point sits near the south end. Carry a map and GPS. Snow can block the road until early summer.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with English Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is English Mountain?
English Mountain is 8,373 feet (2,552 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike English Mountain?
The Cross-country from Tollhouse Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 3 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike English Mountain?
Most people take 3 – 5 hours round trip on the Cross-country from Tollhouse Lake, covering 3 miles with 1,300 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike English Mountain?
Usually, if you are fit. The Cross-country from Tollhouse Lake is a common first summit for hikers ready for 3 – 5 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike English 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 English 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