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- Mount Bolton Brown
13,530 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Bolton Brown
Mount Bolton Brown is a 13,530 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slopes via Birch Lake: 19 mi, 8,920 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: David Bakken, CC BY-SA 2.5
Mount Bolton Brown at a glance
- Elevation13,530 ft4,123 m
- RouteNorth Slopes via Birch LakeClass 3
- Distance19 mi8,920 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slopes via Birch Lake
From Big Pine, take Glacier Lodge Road west and McMurry Meadows Road south to Birch Creek, where the spur to the Birch Lake trailhead turns rough 4WD; many park on the main road and walk. The Birch Lake Trail stays high on the north side of the canyon, then fades into willow near the lake. From camp, climb toward The Thumb, descend a loose chute into the basin to the south, and contour snow or talus to the north slopes. The climb is Class 2 until a short Class 3 summit block. Snow lingers, so bring an axe early. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Snow near summit
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Bolton Brown
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Bolton Brown
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Bolton Brown?
Mount Bolton Brown is 13,530 feet (4,123 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Bolton Brown?
The North Slopes via Birch Lake is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 8,920 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Bolton Brown?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Slopes via Birch Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Bolton Brown dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Bolton Brown?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the North Slopes via Birch Lake, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Bolton Brown?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Bolton Brown reaches 13,530 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 climb Mount Bolton Brown?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Bolton Brown 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