12,868 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Gemini
Gemini is a 12,868 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope via Seven Gables Pass: 32 mi, 7,530 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Jonathan Fox, CC BY-SA 2.0
Gemini at a glance
- Elevation12,868 ft3,922 m
- RouteNorth Slope via Seven Gables PassClass 2
- Distance32 mi7,530 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slope via Seven Gables Pass
From Fresno, take Highway 168 to Huntington Lake, then the narrow Kaiser Pass Road and Edison Lake Road to the Bear Ridge trailhead near the Edison Lake dam. Climb the Bear Ridge Trail to the John Muir Trail, descend to Bear Creek, and follow the JMT upstream. After it crosses Bear Creek, take the east fork toward Sandpiper Lake and the Seven Gables Lakes. Climb granite slabs to the saddle between Gemini and Seven Gables, then mostly Class 2 talus up the north side. The Bear Creek ford runs high early. Plan two or three days with a Sierra National Forest wilderness permit, reserved up to six months ahead.
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
- Stream crossing
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Gemini
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Gemini
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Gemini?
Gemini is 12,868 feet (3,922 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Gemini?
The North Slope via Seven Gables Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 32 miles with 7,530 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Gemini?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Slope via Seven Gables Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Gemini?
The North Slope via Seven Gables Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 32 miles with 7,530 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Gemini?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Gemini reaches 12,868 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 Gemini?
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 Gemini 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