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13,618 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Ericsson

Mount Ericsson is a 13,618 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge: 35 mi, 8,350 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Mount Ericsson in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: U.S. Geological Survey

Mount Ericsson at a glance

  • Elevation13,618 ft4,150 m
  • RouteWest RidgeClass 2
  • Distance35 mi8,350 ft gain
  • Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Ridge

From Fresno, drive CA 180 to Roads End and follow the Bubbs Creek Trail to Junction Meadow. Ford Bubbs Creek, hike the East Lake trail to Lake Reflection, and climb southeast up the Class 2 avalanche chute that crosses the Kings-Kern Divide between Genevra and Ericsson. From the divide, follow the easy West Ridge to the summit, which looks down the whole Kern canyon. Snow can linger in the chutes well into summer, so carry an ice axe early in the season. Plan three or four days. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required; reserve ahead on Recreation.gov.

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

  • Stream crossing
  • Remote location
  • Snow near summit
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude

Quests with Mount Ericsson

Peaks near Mount Ericsson

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 5.2 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 6.4 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 10.1 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 10.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Ericsson?

Mount Ericsson is 13,618 feet (4,150 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Ericsson?

The West Ridge is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 35 miles with 8,350 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Ericsson?

Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the West Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Ericsson?

The West Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 35 miles with 8,350 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 Ericsson?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Ericsson reaches 13,618 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 Ericsson?

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 Ericsson 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

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