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- Mount Florence
12,545 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Florence
Mount Florence is a 12,545 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Ridge via Vogelsang Pass: 26 mi, 5,150 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Florence at a glance
- Elevation12,545 ft3,823 m
- RouteWest Ridge via Vogelsang PassClass 2
- Distance26 mi5,150 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the West Ridge via Vogelsang Pass
In Yosemite, take Tioga Road (CA 120) to Tuolumne Meadows and the John Muir Trail parking on the lodge road. Hike the JMT south, turn onto the Rafferty Creek Trail, and cross Tuolumne and Vogelsang Passes to Lewis Creek. Past the Bernice Lake junction, go cross-country into the basin north of the peak, round the lake below the north face on its south shore, and climb the Class 2 west ridge of sand and talus to the summit. Expect at least three miles off trail each way and solitude. Most parties camp out with a Yosemite wilderness permit, awarded by lottery 24 weeks out.
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
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Storms
Quests with Mount Florence
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Florence?
Mount Florence is 12,545 feet (3,823 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Florence?
The West Ridge via Vogelsang Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 26 miles with 5,150 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Florence?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Ridge via Vogelsang Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Florence?
The West Ridge via Vogelsang Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 26 miles with 5,150 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 Florence?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Florence reaches 12,545 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 Florence?
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 Florence 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