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12,207 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Henry

Mount Henry is a 12,207 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Slope via Indian Lakes: 40 mi, 5,415 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Mount Henry at a glance

  • Elevation12,207 ft3,720 m
  • RouteWest Slope via Indian LakesClass 2
  • Distance40 mi5,415 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Slope via Indian Lakes

From Clovis, take Highway 168 to Shaver Lake, then Dinkey Creek Road, McKinley Grove Road and Courtright Road to the Maxson trailhead past the reservoir spillway. The Blackcap Basin Trail crosses Post Corral Creek; turn onto the Hell for Sure Pass Trail into Red Mountain Basin and take the Indian Lakes Trail to Lower Indian Lake. Go cross-country to the west ridge and slope, Class 2 with an easy Class 3 move or two near the crest. Streams along the trail can be dry late in summer. Plan three days with a Sierra National Forest wilderness permit; the Maxson quota is small, so reserve 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

What to watch for

  • Remote location
  • Dry conditions
  • Loose rock
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Mount Henry

Peaks near Mount Henry

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 18.3 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 18.8 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 21.2 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 25.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Henry?

Mount Henry is 12,207 feet (3,720 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Henry?

The West Slope via Indian Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 40 miles with 5,415 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Henry?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the West Slope via Indian Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Henry?

The West Slope via Indian Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 40 miles with 5,415 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 Henry?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Henry reaches 12,207 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 Henry?

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 Henry 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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