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12,382 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Lion Rock

Lion Rock is a 12,382 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Lion Lake Route via Tamarack Lake: 37 mi, 10,200 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Lion Rock at a glance

  • Elevation12,382 ft3,774 m
  • RouteLion Lake Route via Tamarack LakeClass 2
  • Distance37 mi10,200 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Lion Lake Route via Tamarack Lake

From Three Rivers, drive the Generals Highway to Wolverton. Take the Alta Trail over Panther Gap to the High Sierra Trail, pass Bearpaw Meadow, and turn north on the trail to Lone Pine Meadow and Tamarack Lake. Continue cross-country over ledges and slabs to Lion Lake, then climb talus and slabs to the summit. The SPS rates the easiest line Class 2, but most mapped routes are Class 3, so expect route-finding. Lone Pine Creek runs high early season. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required overnight.

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

  • Remote location
  • Loose rock
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms
  • Stream crossing

Quests with Lion Rock

Peaks near Lion Rock

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 12.4 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 13.8 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 13.9 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 14.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Lion Rock?

Lion Rock is 12,382 feet (3,774 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Lion Rock?

The Lion Lake Route via Tamarack Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 10,200 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Lion Rock?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Lion Lake Route via Tamarack Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Lion Rock?

The Lion Lake Route via Tamarack Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 37 miles with 10,200 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 Lion Rock?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lion Rock reaches 12,382 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 Lion Rock?

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 Lion Rock 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

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