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13,895 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Agassiz

Mount Agassiz is a 13,895 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope: 14 mi, 4,285 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Agassiz in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: The Fun Chronicles

Mount Agassiz at a glance

  • Elevation13,895 ft4,235 m
  • RouteWest SlopeClass 2
  • Distance14 mi4,285 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Slope

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 and South Lake Road to the South Lake trailhead and hike the Bishop Pass Trail past Long, Saddlerock and Bishop Lakes to Bishop Pass. Leave the trail heading southeast, pass a small tarn, and climb the rightmost gully on the west face. The West Slope is class 2 on talus and slabs, with an optional class 3 step depending on the line; take the left branch where the gully splits and finish along the summit ridge. The descent is long, loose talus. Start before dawn, since the pass and summit ridge draw 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
  • High altitude
  • Storms
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Agassiz

Peaks near Mount Agassiz

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 1.5 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 4.5 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 8.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Agassiz?

Mount Agassiz is 13,895 feet (4,235 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Agassiz?

The West Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 14 miles with 4,285 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Agassiz?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the West Slope, covering 14 miles with 4,285 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Agassiz?

The West Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 14 miles with 4,285 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 Mount Agassiz?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Agassiz reaches 13,895 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 Mount Agassiz?

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 Mount Agassiz?

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 Mount Agassiz 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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