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- Mount Hilgard
13,366 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Hilgard
Mount Hilgard is a 13,366 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge via Lake Italy: 27 mi, 9,560 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Chris M Morris, CC BY 2.0
Mount Hilgard at a glance
- Elevation13,366 ft4,073 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge via Lake ItalyClass 2
- Distance27 mi9,560 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Ridge via Lake Italy
From US 395 northwest of Bishop, drive Pine Creek Road through Rovana to the Pine Creek trailhead. Take the Pine Creek Pass and Italy Pass trails through Granite Park, cross Italy Pass, and descend slabs past Jumble Lake to Lake Italy, a common base camp. From near the lake outlet, climb the Class 2 southeast ridge or the sandy south slope to the summit. Gabb is often added the same day. The return re-climbs Italy Pass, so plan for a long exit. A shorter but rougher approach crosses Cox Col from Mosquito Flat. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight.
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
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Hilgard
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Hilgard
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Hilgard?
Mount Hilgard is 13,366 feet (4,073 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Hilgard?
The Southeast Ridge via Lake Italy is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 27 miles with 9,560 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Hilgard?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Ridge via Lake Italy, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Hilgard?
The Southeast Ridge via Lake Italy needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 27 miles with 9,560 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 Hilgard?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Hilgard reaches 13,366 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 Hilgard?
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 Hilgard 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