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- Lippincott Mountain
12,252 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Lippincott Mountain
Lippincott Mountain is a 12,252 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo: 44 mi, 12,355 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: btwashburn, CC BY 2.0
Lippincott Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,252 ft3,734 m
- RouteSoutheast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big ArroyoClass 2
- Distance44 mi12,355 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo
From Three Rivers, drive Mineral King Road (seasonal, late May to October, with construction delays) to the Sawtooth trailhead. Backpack over Sawtooth Pass to the Little Five Lakes area. Where the trail drops toward Big Arroyo, contour to Lake 10,295 and the lake above it, then climb the southeast bowl of boulders and sand to the summit (Class 2). The east ridge turns Class 3 to 4 near the top, so stay on the slope or south face. Guard cars against marmots. You need a Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit.
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
- Remote location
- Storms
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Lippincott Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Lippincott Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Lippincott Mountain?
Lippincott Mountain is 12,252 feet (3,734 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Lippincott Mountain?
The Southeast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 44 miles with 12,355 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Lippincott Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Lippincott Mountain?
The Southeast Slope via Sawtooth Pass and Big Arroyo needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 44 miles with 12,355 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 Lippincott Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Lippincott Mountain reaches 12,252 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 Lippincott 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 Lippincott 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