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- Mount Chamberlin
13,173 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Chamberlin
Mount Chamberlin is a 13,173 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek: 37 mi, 7,030 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0
Mount Chamberlin at a glance
- Elevation13,173 ft4,015 m
- RouteSouthwest Slope from Perrin CreekClass 1
- Distance37 mi7,030 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek
From Lone Pine, drive Horseshoe Meadow Road to the Cottonwood Pass trailhead and follow the Pacific Crest Trail north over Cottonwood Pass to Rock Creek and up toward Guyot Pass. Leave the trail and ascend the Perrin Creek drainage to its upper lakes, then climb the sandy Class 1 south and west slopes to the broad, flat summit with a sheer drop to Crabtree Lakes. The sand makes a fast descent. Perrin Creek can run dry by midsummer, so plan water. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight approach, with summer quotas. Carry a bear canister and allow three days.
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
- Remote location
- Storms
- High altitude
- Dry conditions
Quests with Mount Chamberlin
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Chamberlin
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Chamberlin?
Mount Chamberlin is 13,173 feet (4,015 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Chamberlin?
The Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 7,030 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Chamberlin?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Chamberlin?
The Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 37 miles with 7,030 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 Chamberlin?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Chamberlin reaches 13,173 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 Chamberlin?
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 Chamberlin 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