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- Mount Clark
11,521 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Clark
Mount Clark is an 11,521 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Arete: 25 mi, 6,090 ft of gain, Class 4.
Mount Clark at a glance
- Elevation11,521 ft3,511 m
- RouteSoutheast AreteClass 4
- Distance25 mi6,090 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Arete
In Yosemite, take Glacier Point Road to the Mono Meadow trailhead. Cross Illilouette Creek, follow the trail toward the Clark Fork, then go cross-country east to a high camp below the west face; it can be boggy early and dry late. Gain the southeast arete at a gap, then scramble Class 3 granite along the knife edge, dropping to a ledge where the crest is blocked. The crux is the exposed step-across and a short Class 4 pitch to the summit block, so bring a rope. Most parties camp out with a Yosemite wilderness permit, awarded by lottery 24 weeks out.
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
- Knife-edge ridge
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
Quests with Mount Clark
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Clark?
Mount Clark is 11,521 feet (3,511 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Clark?
The Southeast Arete is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 6,090 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Clark?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Arete, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Clark dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious 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 rope to climb Mount Clark?
Most parties bring one. The Southeast Arete is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
When is the best time to climb Mount Clark?
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 Clark 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