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12,296 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Matterhorn Peak

Matterhorn Peak is a 12,296 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope from Horse Creek Pass: 12 mi, 5,180 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Matterhorn Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: G. Thomas

Matterhorn Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,296 ft3,747 m
  • RouteSoutheast Slope from Horse Creek PassClass 2
  • Distance12 mi5,180 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slope from Horse Creek Pass

From Bridgeport, drive Twin Lakes Road to Mono Village at its end, which charges a Mono Village parking fee. Take the Horse Creek trail, then follow use trails past a series of meadows and talus to Horse Creek Pass. Turn right and climb slabs and sandy slopes to the top of the East Couloir, then angle south onto solid blocks for a short Class 2 summit scramble with big drops to the north. This is the peak from Kerouac's The Dharma Bums. The sand is tiring and snow lingers early in the season. Camping below the pass needs a Hoover Wilderness permit. Start early to beat afternoon storms.

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

  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Steep exposure
  • Storms

Quests with Matterhorn Peak

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Matterhorn Peak?

Matterhorn Peak is 12,296 feet (3,747 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Matterhorn Peak?

The Southeast Slope from Horse Creek Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 5,180 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Matterhorn Peak?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Southeast Slope from Horse Creek Pass, covering 12 miles with 5,180 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Matterhorn Peak?

The Southeast Slope from Horse Creek Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 5,180 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 Matterhorn Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Matterhorn Peak reaches 12,296 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Matterhorn Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Matterhorn Peak?

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 Matterhorn Peak 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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