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- Mount Bradley
13,282 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Bradley
Mount Bradley is a 13,282 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope via Pinyon Creek: 11 mi, 8,305 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: fredsharples, CC BY 2.0
Mount Bradley at a glance
- Elevation13,282 ft4,048 m
- RouteNorth Slope via Pinyon CreekClass 2
- Distance11 mi8,305 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slope via Pinyon Creek
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 4.7 miles and turn south on Pinyon Creek Road, a rough, partly washed-out track, to its end beside Pinyon Creek. A faint use trail climbs the north side of the creek and then fades; follow the line of least resistance up steep, brushy, sandy ground to the basin north of the peak. The North Slope is a Class 2 talus climb to the summit ridge, where the north top is the high point. The gain is relentless and footing is loose on the descent. Many parties camp near timberline. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips.
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
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
- Dry conditions
- Rattlesnakes
Quests with Mount Bradley
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Bradley
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Bradley?
Mount Bradley is 13,282 feet (4,048 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Bradley?
The North Slope via Pinyon Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 8,305 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Bradley?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the North Slope via Pinyon Creek, covering 11 miles with 8,305 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Bradley?
The North Slope via Pinyon Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 8,305 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 Bradley?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Bradley reaches 13,282 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 Bradley?
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 Bradley 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