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- Mount Gayley
13,502 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Gayley
Mount Gayley is a 13,502 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Ridge: 19 mi, 5,910 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Tim Berger, CC BY 2.0
Mount Gayley at a glance
- Elevation13,502 ft4,115 m
- RouteSouthwest RidgeClass 3
- Distance19 mi5,910 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Ridge
From Big Pine on US 395, drive Glacier Lodge Road to the Big Pine Creek trailhead. Hike the North Fork Trail past the numbered lakes to Sam Mack Meadow, then follow a cairned use trail onto the moraine above the Palisade Glacier. Cross the glacier and climb a loose class 3 gully to Glacier Notch, between Gayley and Mount Sill. The Southwest Ridge follows dark ledges right of the crest at easy class 3. Carry an ice axe and crampons and watch for a bergschrund late in the season. Most camp at Sam Mack Meadow. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips; reserve on Recreation.gov 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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
Quests with Mount Gayley
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Gayley
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Gayley?
Mount Gayley is 13,502 feet (4,115 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Gayley?
The Southwest Ridge is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 5,910 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Gayley?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the Southwest Ridge, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Gayley dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: crevasses on the glacier and rockfall from loose rock. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Gayley?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Ridge, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Gayley?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Gayley reaches 13,502 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 climb Mount Gayley?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Gayley 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