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- Mount Haeckel
13,437 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Haeckel
Mount Haeckel is a 13,437 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Face via Echo Lake: 19 mi, 4,645 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Mount Haeckel at a glance
- Elevation13,437 ft4,095 m
- RouteSoutheast Face via Echo LakeClass 3
- Distance19 mi4,645 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Face via Echo Lake
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west about 18 miles to the Lake Sabrina trailhead, with overnight parking near the North Lake turnoff. Follow the Sabrina Basin Trail past Blue and Dingleberry Lakes toward Hungry Packer Lake, then go cross-country by Moonlight Lake into the Echo Lake drainage and the cirque between Haeckel and Wallace. Climb loose talus on the southeast side to the summit rocks, where a narrow chute and Class 3 moves finish the climb. Helmets help on the loose rock. Many parties camp near Echo Lake and add Wallace, using an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit reserved 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
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Rapid weather shifts
- Snow near summit
Quests with Mount Haeckel
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Haeckel
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Haeckel?
Mount Haeckel is 13,437 feet (4,095 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Haeckel?
The Southeast Face via Echo Lake 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 4,645 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Haeckel?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Face via Echo Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Haeckel dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Haeckel?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Face via Echo Lake, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Haeckel?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Haeckel reaches 13,437 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 Haeckel?
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 Haeckel 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