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13,316 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Jordan

Mount Jordan is a 13,316 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slope: 41 mi, 11,485 ft of gain, Class 4.

Mount Jordan in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: breic, CC BY 2.0

Mount Jordan at a glance

  • Elevation13,316 ft4,058 m
  • RouteEast SlopeClass 4
  • Distance41 mi11,485 ft gain
  • Time3 – 5 daysExtreme effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Slope

From Fresno, drive CA 180 to Roads End and hike the Bubbs Creek Trail to Junction Meadow, then ford Bubbs Creek and follow the East Lake trail to Lake Reflection. Cross the Kings-Kern Divide by the Class 2 chute between Ericsson and Genevra and work west across the upper Kern basin to the peak's east side. Class 3 chutes lead to the twin summits, and the higher south summit is a Class 4 block gained by an exposed step, so bring a short rope. The Bubbs Creek ford is dangerous at high water. Plan four days. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required.

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
  • Stream crossing
  • Remote location
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude

Quests with Mount Jordan

Peaks near Mount Jordan

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 6.5 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 7.9 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 10.9 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 11.3 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Jordan?

Mount Jordan is 13,316 feet (4,058 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Mount Jordan?

The East Slope is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 41 miles with 11,485 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Jordan?

Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the East Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount Jordan dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 Jordan?

Most parties bring one. The East Slope is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Jordan?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Jordan reaches 13,316 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 Jordan?

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 Jordan 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