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13,185 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Hitchcock

Mount Hitchcock is a 13,185 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge from Discovery Pass: 20 mi, 5,775 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Hitchcock in the Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Hitchcock at a glance

  • Elevation13,185 ft4,018 m
  • RouteEast Ridge from Discovery PassClass 1
  • Distance20 mi5,775 ft gain
  • Time1 – 2 daysHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Ridge from Discovery Pass

From Lone Pine, drive Whitney Portal Road to its end at Whitney Portal. Hike the Mount Whitney Trail past Outpost Camp and Trail Camp and up the switchbacks toward Trail Crest, then leave the trail near Discovery Pass and follow the blocky east ridge to the summit above the Hitchcock Lakes. The SPS rates it Class 1, but expect tedious talus and sandy sidehilling. A Mt. Whitney Zone permit is mandatory for day and overnight trips, awarded by lottery each spring. Altitude, afternoon lightning and cold wind are the main hazards. Most parties camp at Trail Camp to split the effort.

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

  • High altitude
  • Storms
  • Loose rock
  • High winds

Quests with Mount Hitchcock

Peaks near Mount Hitchcock

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 1.3 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 2.7 mi away

  4. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 4.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Hitchcock?

Mount Hitchcock is 13,185 feet (4,018 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Hitchcock?

The East Ridge from Discovery Pass is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 20 miles with 5,775 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Hitchcock?

Most climbers plan 1 – 2 days for the East Ridge from Discovery Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Hitchcock?

The East Ridge from Discovery Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 20 miles with 5,775 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 Hitchcock?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Hitchcock reaches 13,185 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 Hitchcock?

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 Hitchcock 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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