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11,869 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Bago

Mount Bago is an 11,869 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slopes from Charlotte Lake: 19 mi, 5,540 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Bago in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: The Fun Chronicles

Mount Bago at a glance

  • Elevation11,869 ft3,617 m
  • RouteEast Slopes from Charlotte LakeClass 1
  • Distance19 mi5,540 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Slopes from Charlotte Lake

From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Cross Kearsarge Pass, pass above Bullfrog Lake and follow the trail toward Charlotte Lake. Before the lake, go cross-country through open forest into the bowl east of the peak and climb easy Class 1 slopes; the south summit is the high point. Early-season cornices make it easier to gain the north summit first and walk the ridge south. The long climb back to Kearsarge Pass is the hardest part of the day. Overnight trips need an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, and Charlotte Lake has a two-night camping limit.

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

  • High altitude
  • Cornices
  • Storms
  • Loose rock

Quests with Mount Bago

Peaks near Mount Bago

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 9.7 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 10.6 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 14.9 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 15.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Bago?

Mount Bago is 11,869 feet (3,617 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Bago?

The East Slopes from Charlotte Lake is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 19 miles with 5,540 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Bago?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the East Slopes from Charlotte Lake, covering 19 miles with 5,540 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Bago?

The East Slopes from Charlotte Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 19 miles with 5,540 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

What time should you start hiking Mount Bago?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Bago?

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

Climb Mount Bago with Yak

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