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- Mount Julius Caesar
13,195 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Julius Caesar
Mount Julius Caesar is a 13,195 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Ridge via Italy Pass: 20 mi, 6,400 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Julius Caesar at a glance
- Elevation13,195 ft4,021 m
- RouteSouth Ridge via Italy PassClass 2
- Distance20 mi6,400 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Ridge via Italy Pass
From US 395 northwest of Bishop, take Pine Creek Road past Rovana to the Pine Creek trailhead. Hike the Pine Creek Pass Trail to Honeymoon Lake, then the fading Italy Pass Trail through the boulder fields of Granite Park to Italy Pass. From the pass, the south ridge and southwest slope are Class 2, with optional Class 3 blocks near the top if you stay on the crest. Cairns in Granite Park are inconsistent, so carry a map. Camping near Honeymoon Lake or in Granite Park splits the trip. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight; reserve up to six months out.
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
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Julius Caesar
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Julius Caesar
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Julius Caesar?
Mount Julius Caesar is 13,195 feet (4,021 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Julius Caesar?
The South Ridge via Italy Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 6,400 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Julius Caesar?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Ridge via Italy Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Julius Caesar?
The South Ridge via Italy Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 20 miles with 6,400 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 Julius Caesar?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Julius Caesar reaches 13,195 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 Julius Caesar?
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 Julius Caesar 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