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- Mount Izaak Walton
12,102 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Izaak Walton
Mount Izaak Walton is a 12,102 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slope: 25 mi, 6,015 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Ron Reiring, CC BY-SA 2.5
Mount Izaak Walton at a glance
- Elevation12,102 ft3,688 m
- RouteSouthwest SlopeClass 2
- Distance25 mi6,015 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slope
From Shaver Lake, take CA 168 to Huntington Lake, then Kaiser Pass Road and Edison Lake Road to the Mono Creek trailhead near Vermilion Campground. Walk the trail around the north shore of Lake Edison, or take the resort ferry to skip about 5 miles. Join the John Muir Trail up Mono Creek toward Silver Pass, then leave it near Pocket Meadow and climb cross-country into the basin southwest of the peak. Talus on the southwest slope leads to Class 2 summit crags. Creek crossings run high in early summer. A Sierra 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
- Stream crossing
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Izaak Walton
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Izaak Walton?
Mount Izaak Walton is 12,102 feet (3,688 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Izaak Walton?
The Southwest Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 25 miles with 6,015 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Izaak Walton?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Izaak Walton?
The Southwest Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 25 miles with 6,015 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 Izaak Walton?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Izaak Walton reaches 12,102 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 Izaak Walton?
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 Izaak Walton 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