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- Moses Mountain
9,332 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Moses Mountain
Moses Mountain is a 9,332 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Face from Moses Gully: 7 mi, 3,610 ft of gain, Class 3.
Moses Mountain at a glance
- Elevation9,332 ft2,844 m
- RouteEast Face from Moses GullyClass 3
- Distance7 mi3,610 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Face from Moses Gully
From Springville on CA 190, take Balch Park Road and Bear Creek Drive into Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest and drive to Shake Camp. Hike the Long Meadow Trail (31E15) to the Tule River crossing near Long Meadow, cross, and climb a gully west up dense forest and manzanita to just below the jagged ridge. Do not follow the crest. Contour south under it across side chutes until level with the summit, then scramble up (low Class 3). The top stays hidden until you are close. Long pants help, and the river runs high early in summer.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Stream crossing
Quests with Moses Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Moses Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Moses Mountain?
Moses Mountain is 9,332 feet (2,844 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Moses Mountain?
The East Face from Moses Gully is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,610 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Moses Mountain?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the East Face from Moses Gully, covering 7 miles with 3,610 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Is Moses Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. 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 Moses Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Face from Moses Gully, so a helmet is on the gear list.
When is the best time to climb Moses Mountain?
The usual climbing window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Moses 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