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- Mokelumne Peak
9,337 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mokelumne Peak
Mokelumne Peak is a 9,337 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Tanglefoot Trail and Northwest Slopes: 16 mi, 5,335 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Melikamp, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mokelumne Peak at a glance
- Elevation9,337 ft2,845 m
- RouteTanglefoot Trail and Northwest SlopesClass 2
- Distance16 mi5,335 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Tanglefoot Trail and Northwest Slopes
From Jackson, drive Highway 88 east to the Bear River Reservoir road, cross the dam, and follow Forest Road 8N14 past Cole Creek to the Tanglefoot trailhead (the last miles are rough dirt). The Tanglefoot Trail drops into Tanglefoot Canyon, climbs past Moraine Lake, then traverses toward the peak. Leave the trail and go cross-country east to the summit area, finishing with a Class 2 boulder scramble from the south. The drive in is slow and confusing, so get exact directions first. Water is scarce past Moraine Lake. Expect solitude and a long, full day.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Mokelumne Peak
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mokelumne Peak?
Mokelumne Peak is 9,337 feet (2,845 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mokelumne Peak?
The Tanglefoot Trail and Northwest Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 5,335 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mokelumne Peak?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Tanglefoot Trail and Northwest Slopes, covering 16 miles with 5,335 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mokelumne Peak?
The Tanglefoot Trail and Northwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 5,335 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Mokelumne Peak?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mokelumne 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