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- Mount Baxter
13,128 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Baxter
Mount Baxter is a 13,128 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes from Baxter Lakes: 21 mi, 9,555 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tetsuo Fukuchi
Mount Baxter at a glance
- Elevation13,128 ft4,001 m
- RouteSouthwest Slopes from Baxter LakesClass 2
- Distance21 mi9,555 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slopes from Baxter Lakes
From Independence, drive north on US 395 about 2 miles, turn west on Fish Hatchery Road and take North Oak Creek Road to the Baxter Pass trailhead. Climb the rough, unmaintained Baxter Pass Trail, with brushy sections and creek crossings, to Baxter Pass on the crest, then drop to Baxter Lakes in Kings Canyon National Park. From the lakes, ascend the Class 2 southwest slopes of loose talus and scree to the summit. The trail is hard to follow in places, so carry a map. Plan on two or three days and an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, which has a small daily quota. Give bighorn sheep plenty of room.
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
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Baxter
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Baxter
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Baxter?
Mount Baxter is 13,128 feet (4,001 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Baxter?
The Southwest Slopes from Baxter Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 21 miles with 9,555 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Baxter?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slopes from Baxter Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Baxter?
The Southwest Slopes from Baxter Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 21 miles with 9,555 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 Baxter?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Baxter reaches 13,128 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 Baxter?
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 Baxter 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