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- Mount Corcoran
13,785 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Corcoran
Mount Corcoran is a 13,785 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Notch Chute via Tuttle Creek: 16 mi, 7,155 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Corcoran at a glance
- Elevation13,785 ft4,201 m
- RouteNorth Notch Chute via Tuttle CreekClass 2
- Distance16 mi7,155 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Notch Chute via Tuttle Creek
From Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road west, turn south on Horseshoe Meadow Road, then west on dirt Granite View Drive to the Tuttle Creek trailhead (high clearance helps, and a washed-out stretch adds walking). Follow the old road and trail to the stone Ashram, then a faint use trail up the South Fork of Tuttle Creek to camps on a bench. Climb the loose chute to the notch north of the peak, then a short chute to the summit pinnacles (Class 2). An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips, with a small summer quota. Wear helmets for rockfall.
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
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Corcoran
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Corcoran
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Corcoran?
Mount Corcoran is 13,785 feet (4,201 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Corcoran?
The North Notch Chute via Tuttle Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 7,155 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Corcoran?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the North Notch Chute via Tuttle Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Corcoran?
The North Notch Chute via Tuttle Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 16 miles with 7,155 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 Corcoran?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Corcoran reaches 13,785 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 Corcoran?
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 Corcoran 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