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13,648 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Milestone Mountain

Milestone Mountain is a 13,648 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge from Milestone Basin: 40 mi, 12,530 ft of gain, Class 3.

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Milestone Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: W.L. Huber

Milestone Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation13,648 ft4,159 m
  • RouteEast Ridge from Milestone BasinClass 3
  • Distance40 mi12,530 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Ridge from Milestone Basin

From Independence on US 395, drive Onion Valley Road west, turn south on Foothill Road and follow signs to the Symmes Creek trailhead. The Shepherd Pass Trail climbs over a saddle into Shepherd Creek and on to the pass, then you descend Tyndall Creek and take the Lake South America trail into the upper Kern basin. Head west up Milestone Creek into Milestone Basin and climb the East Ridge, finishing on the Class 3 summit pillar. The trip is long, high and remote, and the pass can hold snow into July. Plan four days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve months ahead.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • High altitude
  • Steep exposure
  • Storms
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Milestone Mountain

Peaks near Milestone Mountain

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 8.3 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 9.7 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 11.2 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 11.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Milestone Mountain?

Milestone Mountain is 13,648 feet (4,159 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Milestone Mountain?

The East Ridge from Milestone Basin is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 40 miles with 12,530 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Milestone Mountain?

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

Is Milestone Mountain dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.

Do you need a helmet for Milestone Mountain?

It is a good idea. The scrambling has rock overhead on the East Ridge from Milestone Basin, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Milestone Mountain?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Milestone Mountain reaches 13,648 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 climb Milestone Mountain?

The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Milestone 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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