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12,870 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Johnson

Mount Johnson is a 12,870 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes: 10 mi, 3,660 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Johnson in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: lovz2hike, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Johnson at a glance

  • Elevation12,870 ft3,922 m
  • RouteSoutheast SlopesClass 2
  • Distance10 mi3,660 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slopes

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 and South Lake Road to the South Lake trailhead. Take the Bishop Pass Trail a short way and turn onto the Treasure Lakes trail, then follow a use trail up the drainage past the upper Treasure Lakes. Continue south past the highest lake and climb the Southeast Slopes, loose class 2 sand and talus, to the summit. The northwest ridge from Treasure Col is a fine class 3 alternative, but the col needs an ice axe and crampons. Snow lingers in the drainage into summer. Pairing it with Mount Gilbert makes a full day.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (30–40 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

  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Johnson

Peaks near Mount Johnson

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 4.6 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 5.1 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 7.6 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 11.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Johnson?

Mount Johnson is 12,870 feet (3,922 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Johnson?

The Southeast Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 3,660 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Johnson?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Southeast Slopes, covering 10 miles with 3,660 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Johnson?

The Southeast Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 3,660 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Johnson?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Johnson reaches 12,870 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Johnson?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Mount Johnson?

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 Johnson 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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