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- Mount Conness
12,593 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Conness
Mount Conness is a 12,593 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slope from Saddlebag Lake: 6 mi, 3,230 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Conness at a glance
- Elevation12,593 ft3,838 m
- RouteSouth Slope from Saddlebag LakeClass 2
- Distance6 mi3,230 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slope from Saddlebag Lake
From Lee Vining, take Highway 120 west toward Tioga Pass and turn north on the dirt Saddlebag Lake Road to the lake. Drop below the dam and follow a faint use trail and an old road west past the Carnegie Institution research shed, then climb the drainage to the saddle between Conness and White Mountain. Walk the broad summit plateau and finish on a narrow, exposed ridge with a ledge just below the top. The route is Class 2 with real exposure at the end. Early season snow on the slope to the saddle calls for ice axe and crampons. Start early, since the plateau offers no shelter from lightning.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Mount Conness
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Conness?
Mount Conness is 12,593 feet (3,838 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Conness?
The South Slope from Saddlebag Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 3,230 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Conness?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the South Slope from Saddlebag Lake, covering 6 miles with 3,230 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Conness?
The South Slope from Saddlebag Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 3,230 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 Conness?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Conness reaches 12,593 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 Conness?
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 Conness?
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 Conness 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