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- Mount Dade
13,645 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Dade
Mount Dade is a 13,645 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Hourglass Couloir: 10 mi, 3,570 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Dade at a glance
- Elevation13,645 ft4,158 m
- RouteHourglass CouloirClass 2
- Distance10 mi3,570 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Hourglass Couloir
From Toms Place on US 395, drive Rock Creek Road to Mosquito Flat. Follow the Morgan Pass trail past Long Lake, then scramble over the ridge west to the Treasure Lakes. Talus between the upper lakes leads to the Hourglass Couloir, a long snow gully that reaches about 40 degrees, followed by easy slabs to the summit. It is rated Class 2 but needs an ice axe and often crampons. By late summer it can turn to hard ice or loose scree, so early season snow is easier. Wear a helmet for rockfall in the gully. Many groups camp at Treasure Lakes.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Loose rock
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Dade
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Dade
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Dade?
Mount Dade is 13,645 feet (4,158 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Dade?
The Hourglass Couloir is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,570 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Dade?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Hourglass Couloir, covering 10 miles with 3,570 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Dade?
The Hourglass Couloir needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,570 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 Dade?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Dade reaches 13,645 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 Dade?
The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Dade 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