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- Mount Eisen
12,181 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Eisen
Mount Eisen is a 12,181 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five Lakes: 33 mi, 9,150 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Eisen at a glance
- Elevation12,181 ft3,712 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five LakesClass 2
- Distance33 mi9,150 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five Lakes
From Three Rivers, drive the narrow, partly unpaved Mineral King Road (open late May through October, with construction delays through 2027) to the Sawtooth trailhead. Cross Sawtooth Pass and continue to Little Five Lakes, then climb toward Black Rock Pass and make a rising traverse to the south ridge (Class 2, tedious talus). Glacier Pass and Spring Lake to Black Rock Pass is a shorter use-trail option. Protect your car from marmots early season. Overnight trips need a Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit.
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
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Storms
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Eisen
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Eisen
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Eisen?
Mount Eisen is 12,181 feet (3,712 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Eisen?
The South Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 33 miles with 9,150 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Eisen?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Eisen?
The South Ridge via Sawtooth Pass and Little Five Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 33 miles with 9,150 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 Eisen?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Eisen reaches 12,181 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 Eisen?
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 Eisen 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