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- Mount Darwin
13,832 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Darwin
Mount Darwin is a 13,832 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge via Lamarck Col: 16 mi, 7,330 ft of gain, Class 4.
Photo: MtDarwinUpload
Mount Darwin at a glance
- Elevation13,832 ft4,215 m
- RouteWest Ridge via Lamarck ColClass 4
- Distance16 mi7,330 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysExtreme effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Ridge via Lamarck Col
From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west about 18 miles and turn onto North Lake Road to the hiker lot, a short walk from the trailhead in North Lake Campground. Take the Lamarck Lakes Trail and the use trail over Lamarck Col, drop into Darwin Canyon, and climb slabs to the Darwin Glacier. Find the correct notch in the West Ridge, then scramble Class 3 ledges to the flat summit plateau. The detached summit block is an exposed Class 4 move, so many parties bring a short rope. Carry an axe and crampons for snow. Camp in Darwin Canyon on an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, reserved up to six months ahead.
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
- Loose rock
- Steep exposure
- Route-finding difficulty
- Snow near summit
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Darwin
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Darwin
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Darwin?
Mount Darwin is 13,832 feet (4,215 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Darwin?
The West Ridge via Lamarck Col is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 16 miles with 7,330 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Darwin?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Ridge via Lamarck Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Darwin dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 Darwin?
Most parties bring one. The West Ridge via Lamarck Col is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Darwin?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Darwin reaches 13,832 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 Darwin?
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 Darwin 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