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- Mount Gabb
13,710 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Gabb
Mount Gabb is a 13,710 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slope via Lake Italy: 27 mi, 9,530 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Gabb at a glance
- Elevation13,710 ft4,178 m
- RouteSouth Slope via Lake ItalyClass 2
- Distance27 mi9,530 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slope via Lake Italy
From US 395 northwest of Bishop, drive Pine Creek Road past Rovana to the Pine Creek trailhead. Hike the Pine Creek Pass and Italy Pass trails through Granite Park, cross Italy Pass, and drop past Jumble Lake to camp at Lake Italy. From the north shore, skirt small cliff bands to a broad sandy slope, then follow the Class 2 southwest ridge over big boulders to the top of the Mono Divide. Direct lines on the south side reach Class 3. Hilgard pairs well on the same day. Expect a long exit back over the pass. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight.
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
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Gabb
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Gabb
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Gabb?
Mount Gabb is 13,710 feet (4,178 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Gabb?
The South Slope via Lake Italy is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 9,530 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Gabb?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Slope via Lake Italy, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Gabb?
The South Slope via Lake Italy needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 27 miles with 9,530 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 Gabb?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Gabb reaches 13,710 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 Gabb?
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 Gabb 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