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- Mount Fiske
13,521 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Fiske
Mount Fiske is a 13,521 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slope via Wallace Col: 23 mi, 6,830 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Fiske at a glance
- Elevation13,521 ft4,121 m
- RouteEast Slope via Wallace ColClass 2
- Distance23 mi6,830 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Slope via Wallace Col
From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west about 18 miles to the Lake Sabrina trailhead and park in the overnight area near the North Lake turnoff. Take the Sabrina Basin Trail toward Hungry Packer Lake, then go cross-country past Moonlight Lake to Echo Lake. Climb to Wallace Col, descend loose scree on its west side into the basin below Fiske, and ascend Class 2 talus to the east summit and on to the higher west summit. Snow can linger on the col, so carry an axe early in the season. Camp near Echo Lake 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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Snow near summit
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Fiske
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Fiske
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Fiske?
Mount Fiske is 13,521 feet (4,121 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Fiske?
The East Slope via Wallace Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 23 miles with 6,830 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Fiske?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Slope via Wallace Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Fiske?
The East Slope via Wallace Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 23 miles with 6,830 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 Fiske?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Fiske reaches 13,521 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 Fiske?
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 Fiske 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