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13,995 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Barnard

Mount Barnard is a 13,995 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright Lakes: 27 mi, 10,980 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Mount Barnard at a glance

  • Elevation13,995 ft4,265 m
  • RouteSouthwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright LakesClass 2
  • Distance27 mi10,980 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright Lakes

From Independence, take Market Street (Onion Valley Road) west 4.3 miles, turn south on dirt Foothill Road, and follow signs to the Shepherd Pass hiker trailhead (high clearance; low cars park at the stock trailhead). The Shepherd Pass Trail is hot and long, with a drop past Symmes Saddle and a lingering snowfield below the pass. Cross into Wright Lakes basin and climb the sandy southwest slopes (Class 2) to a slightly airy top. Carry an axe early season. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight; quotas open six months ahead.

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
  • Loose rock
  • Remote location
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Mount Barnard

Peaks near Mount Barnard

  1. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 2.0 mi away

  2. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 2.1 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 3.1 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 3.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Barnard?

Mount Barnard is 13,995 feet (4,265 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Barnard?

The Southwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 10,980 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Barnard?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Barnard?

The Southwest Slopes via Shepherd Pass and Wright Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 27 miles with 10,980 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Barnard?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Barnard reaches 13,995 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 Barnard?

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 Barnard 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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