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- Mount Clarence King
12,900 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Clarence King
Mount Clarence King is a 12,900 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Face: 34 mi, 9,175 ft of gain, Class 5.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Mount Clarence King at a glance
- Elevation12,900 ft3,931 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 5
- Distance34 mi9,175 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Face
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Backpack over Kearsarge Pass and Glen Pass to Rae Lakes and into Sixty Lake Basin, then reach the saddle south of the peak by a ledge system. The South Face is loose sand and talus with Class 4 rock near the top, and the summit block is a 5.4 crack plus a bold mantle onto the highest rock. Bring a rope, helmet and a few slings, since there are no anchors on top. Rockfall from the loose slope is a real hazard. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required, Rae Lakes has a one-night limit, and bear canisters are mandatory.
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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Technical climbing
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Clarence King
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Clarence King
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Clarence King?
Mount Clarence King is 12,900 feet (3,931 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Clarence King?
The South Face is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 34 miles with 9,175 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Clarence King?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the South Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Clarence King dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 rope to climb Mount Clarence King?
Most parties bring one. The South Face is Class 5, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Clarence King?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Clarence King reaches 12,900 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 Clarence King?
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 Clarence King 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