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- Excelsior Mountain
12,444 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Excelsior Mountain
Excelsior Mountain is a 12,444 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes: 9 mi, 3,355 ft of gain, Class 1.
Excelsior Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,444 ft3,792 m
- RouteNortheast Ridge from Virginia LakesClass 1
- Distance9 mi3,355 ft gain
- Time6 – 8 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes
From Lee Vining, drive US 395 north to Conway Summit and take Virginia Lakes Road west to the trailhead at its end. Hike the trail past Blue, Cooney and Frog Lakes to the high saddle above the Green Creek drainage. Leave the trail there, drop south through a small basin with tarns and climb the northeast ridge over scree and talus to a false summit, then continue south to the top. The SPS rates it Class 1, with steep, loose footing near the summit ridge. The crest is exposed to strong wind even in August, so bring warm layers and gloves. Start early to avoid afternoon storms.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
- High winds
- Storms
Quests with Excelsior Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Excelsior Mountain?
Excelsior Mountain is 12,444 feet (3,792 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Excelsior Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 9 miles with 3,355 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Excelsior Mountain?
Most people take 6 – 8 hours round trip on the Northeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes, covering 9 miles with 3,355 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Excelsior Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge from Virginia Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 9 miles with 3,355 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 Excelsior Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Excelsior Mountain reaches 12,444 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Excelsior Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Excelsior 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 Excelsior 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