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- Mount Jefferson
11,941 ft · Toquima Range, Nevada
Mount Jefferson
Mount Jefferson is an 11,941 ft peak in the Toquima Range, Nevada. The standard route is the Pine Creek Trailhead: 16 mi, 4,944 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Jefferson at a glance
- Elevation11,941 ft3,639 m
- RoutePine Creek TrailheadClass 1
- Distance16 mi4,944 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeToquima RangeNevada
Climbing the Pine Creek Trailhead
From the Big Smoky Valley near Round Mountain, Nevada, follow dirt roads to the Pine Creek Trailhead in the Toquima Range; high clearance helps on the approach. The trail is a long Class 1 climb to the broad tableland summit of Mount Jefferson, the range highpoint. Expect thin air, loose rock, and snow lingering near the top into early summer. Storms build fast and wind is often strong on the open plateau, so start before dawn to summit early. This is remote high desert with no services, so carry ample water, navigation, and warm layers, and let someone know your plan before heading out.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
Headlamp
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Power Bank
Offline Maps
Water
First-Aid Kit
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Storms
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
- Remote location
- Dry conditions
- Altitude sickness
- Steep exposure
Quests with Mount Jefferson
Lower 48 UltrasFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Jefferson?
Mount Jefferson is 11,941 feet (3,639 m) tall. It is in the Toquima Range, Nevada.
How hard is it to hike Mount Jefferson?
The Pine Creek Trailhead is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 4,944 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Jefferson?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Pine Creek Trailhead, covering 16 miles with 4,944 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Jefferson?
The Pine Creek Trailhead needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 4,944 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
What time should you start hiking Mount Jefferson?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to hike Mount Jefferson?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Jefferson?
The Pine Creek Trailhead starts at about 7,510 feet, roughly 4,431 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Jefferson 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