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- Mount Baldwin
12,620 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Baldwin
Mount Baldwin is a 12,620 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Face via Mildred Lake: 15 mi, 5,785 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Baldwin at a glance
- Elevation12,620 ft3,846 m
- RouteWest Face via Mildred LakeClass 2
- Distance15 mi5,785 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Face via Mildred Lake
From US 395 just south of the Mammoth Lakes airport, take Convict Lake Road to the trailhead at the lake. Hike the trail along the shore and up Convict Canyon, where the bridge has been gone for years and the creek must be waded about 4 miles in. In early summer the ford can be swift and dangerous. Continue to the Mildred Lake basin, then follow a sandy, cairned use trail up the west face past calcite crystal outcrops. It is mostly Class 2, with a brief Class 3 step if you stray. Track your line, since cliffs flank the descent.
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
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Baldwin
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Baldwin?
Mount Baldwin is 12,620 feet (3,846 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Baldwin?
The West Face via Mildred Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 5,785 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Baldwin?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the West Face via Mildred Lake, covering 15 miles with 5,785 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Baldwin?
The West Face via Mildred Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 5,785 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 Baldwin?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Baldwin reaches 12,620 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 hike Mount Baldwin?
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 Baldwin 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