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- Iron Mountain
11,153 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Iron Mountain
Iron Mountain is an 11,153 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slopes via Corral Meadow: 15 mi, 5,100 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Edward Ricemeyer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Iron Mountain at a glance
- Elevation11,153 ft3,399 m
- RouteSouth Slopes via Corral MeadowClass 1
- Distance15 mi5,100 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slopes via Corral Meadow
From Mammoth Lakes, take Minaret Road (CA 203) to the Main Lodge and ride the Reds Meadow shuttle, mandatory by day in season, to Devils Postpile. Road reconstruction limits which days the valley is open, so check the Inyo schedule. Take the Fern Lake Trail, wade King Creek, and follow the Mammoth Trail to Corral Meadow, then walk grassy Class 1 benches north to the top. A shorter Class 2 line follows the ridge above Fern Lake, and the Ashley Lake gully needs axe and crampons. Start early for storms. Camping needs an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, booked up to six months out.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Storms
- Snow near summit
Quests with Iron Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Iron Mountain?
Iron Mountain is 11,153 feet (3,399 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Iron Mountain?
The South Slopes via Corral Meadow is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Iron Mountain?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the South Slopes via Corral Meadow, covering 15 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Iron Mountain?
The South Slopes via Corral Meadow needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Iron Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Iron 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 Iron 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