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13,112 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Gilbert

Mount Gilbert is a 13,112 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes via Treasure Col: 11 mi, 4,055 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Mount Gilbert in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: lovz2hike, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Gilbert at a glance

  • Elevation13,112 ft3,996 m
  • RouteSoutheast Slopes via Treasure ColClass 2
  • Distance11 mi4,055 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slopes via Treasure Col

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 and South Lake Road to the South Lake trailhead. Take the Bishop Pass Trail a short way and turn onto the Treasure Lakes trail, then follow a use trail up the drainage past the upper Treasure Lakes. Climb the steep chute to Treasure Col, northwest of Mount Johnson, where hard snow often calls for an ice axe and crampons. Descend ledges on the far side and angle across to the easy class 2 southeast slopes, which lead to a broad, flat summit above steep north and east faces. Start early, and combine it with Mount Johnson for a full day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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
  • Steep exposure
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Gilbert

Peaks near Mount Gilbert

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 5.5 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 5.9 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 8.5 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 12.6 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Gilbert?

Mount Gilbert is 13,112 feet (3,996 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Gilbert?

The Southeast Slopes via Treasure Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 4,055 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Gilbert?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Southeast Slopes via Treasure Col, covering 11 miles with 4,055 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Gilbert?

The Southeast Slopes via Treasure Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 4,055 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 Gilbert?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Gilbert reaches 13,112 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 Gilbert?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Gilbert?

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 Gilbert 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

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