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- Four Gables
12,769 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Four Gables
Four Gables is a 12,769 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Ridge via Horton Lakes: 16 mi, 5,150 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.5
Four Gables at a glance
- Elevation12,769 ft3,891 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Horton LakesClass 1
- Distance16 mi5,150 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Ridge via Horton Lakes
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west and turn onto Buttermilk Road, then follow the rough, signed Horton Lakes spur to the locked gate (high clearance or 4WD helps). Walk the old mining road to Horton Lake and continue on a faint path to the Upper Horton Lakes. From the south side of the upper lake, climb the drainage east of a large buttress, skirt the small glacier, and head up steep talus to the broad plateau. Follow sandy slopes northwest along the ridge to the top; the SPS rates it Class 1. Several high points vie for the summit, so check your map. Carry water for the dry road.
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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Dry conditions
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Four Gables
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Four Gables
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Four Gables?
Four Gables is 12,769 feet (3,891 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Four Gables?
The South Ridge via Horton Lakes is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 5,150 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Four Gables?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the South Ridge via Horton Lakes, covering 16 miles with 5,150 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Four Gables?
The South Ridge via Horton Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 5,150 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 Four Gables?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Four Gables reaches 12,769 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 Four Gables?
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 Four Gables 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