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- Mount Hooper
12,333 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Hooper
Mount Hooper is a 12,333 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Normal Route via Selden Pass: 36 mi, 6,590 ft of gain, Class 4.
Mount Hooper at a glance
- Elevation12,333 ft3,759 m
- RouteNormal Route via Selden PassClass 4
- Distance36 mi6,590 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Normal Route via Selden Pass
From Fresno, take Highway 168 past Huntington Lake, cross Kaiser Pass on a narrow, often one-lane road, and drive on to the Florence Lake trailhead, where a seasonal ferry can shorten the start. Hike past Blayney Meadows and Muir Trail Ranch, then climb the Selden Pass trail by Sallie Keyes Lakes to the pass. Go cross-country west to the bowl east of Hooper and the saddle south of the peak. Sandy Class 2 slopes lead to an exposed summit block, rated Class 4 by the SPS, climbed around its west side; a 5.4 crack is the other option. Plan two or three days with a Sierra 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
Harness
Rope
Belay Device
Carabiners
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Loose rock
- Remote location
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Hooper
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Hooper
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Hooper?
Mount Hooper is 12,333 feet (3,759 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Hooper?
The Normal Route via Selden Pass is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 36 miles with 6,590 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Hooper?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Normal Route via Selden Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Hooper dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, 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 rope to climb Mount Hooper?
Most parties bring one. The Normal Route via Selden Pass is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Hooper?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Hooper reaches 12,333 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 Hooper?
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 Hooper 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