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13,671 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Midway Mountain

Midway Mountain is a 13,671 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge: 40 mi, 12,555 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Midway Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Tim Berger, CC BY 2.0

Midway Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,671 ft4,166 m
  • RouteEast RidgeClass 2
  • Distance40 mi12,555 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Ridge

From Independence, take Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead. Hike the Shepherd Pass Trail over its tiring saddle and on to the pass, drop to Tyndall Creek, and take the Lake South America trail into the upper Kern basin. Follow Milestone Creek west, climb to the lake northeast of the peak, and go up the Class 2 East Ridge through a narrow notch before easy boulders lead to the top. Milestone Mountain is a short Class 3 traverse away. Thunderstorms and lingering snow are common. Plan four days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight trip.

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
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Storms
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Midway Mountain

Peaks near Midway Mountain

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 8.2 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 9.6 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 11.3 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 11.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Midway Mountain?

Midway Mountain is 13,671 feet (4,166 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Midway Mountain?

The East Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 40 miles with 12,555 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Midway Mountain?

Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the East Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Midway Mountain?

The East Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 40 miles with 12,555 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 Midway Mountain?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Midway Mountain reaches 13,671 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 Midway 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 Midway 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

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