- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Mount Gibbs
12,766 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Gibbs
Mount Gibbs is a 12,766 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slopes: 7 mi, 3,305 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Gibbs at a glance
- Elevation12,766 ft3,891 m
- RouteSouthwest SlopesClass 1
- Distance7 mi3,305 ft gain
- Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slopes
In Yosemite, park at the Mono Pass trailhead in Dana Meadows on Tioga Road (CA 120), a few miles west of Tioga Pass; the lot fills early on summer weekends. Follow the Mono Pass Trail across the Dana Fork and through forest, then leave it and climb open southwest slopes of sand, grass and talus to the broad, flat summit. The route is Class 1 the whole way and navigation is easy in clear weather. The upper slopes are exposed to wind and lightning, so start early and descend if storms form. Mono Lake views from the top are excellent.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 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
- High altitude
- Storms
- Loose rock
- High winds
Quests with Mount Gibbs
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Gibbs?
Mount Gibbs is 12,766 feet (3,891 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Gibbs?
The Southwest Slopes is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 7 miles with 3,305 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Gibbs?
Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Southwest Slopes, covering 7 miles with 3,305 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Gibbs?
The Southwest Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 7 miles with 3,305 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Gibbs?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Gibbs reaches 12,766 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start hiking Mount Gibbs?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike Mount Gibbs?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Gibbs 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