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13,567 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Carillon

Mount Carillon is a 13,567 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge via Russell-Carillon Col: 8 mi, 5,715 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Carillon in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Mitch Barrie, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Carillon at a glance

  • Elevation13,567 ft4,135 m
  • RouteWest Ridge via Russell-Carillon ColClass 2
  • Distance8 mi5,715 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Ridge via Russell-Carillon Col

From Lone Pine, drive Whitney Portal Road to the Whitney Portal trailhead. Walk the Mount Whitney Trail under a mile, then take the North Fork Lone Pine Creek use trail past the Ebersbacher Ledges to Lower Boy Scout Lake. Near Clyde Meadow, below Upper Boy Scout Lake, climb northwest on sand to Russell-Carillon Col and follow the West Ridge talus east to the summit (Class 2). The ledges are exposed and slick when wet. Start before dawn to beat storms. A Mt. Whitney Zone permit is required even to day hike the North Fork; enter the February lottery.

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

  • High altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Carillon

Peaks near Mount Carillon

  1. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 0.7 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 1.2 mi away

  3. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 2.1 mi away

  4. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 4.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Carillon?

Mount Carillon is 13,567 feet (4,135 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Carillon?

The West Ridge via Russell-Carillon Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 5,715 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Carillon?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the West Ridge via Russell-Carillon Col, covering 8 miles with 5,715 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Carillon?

The West Ridge via Russell-Carillon Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 5,715 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 Carillon?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Carillon reaches 13,567 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Carillon?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Mount Carillon?

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 Carillon 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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