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- Mount Keith
13,982 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Keith
Mount Keith is a 13,982 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Face: 19 mi, 8,965 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Keith at a glance
- Elevation13,982 ft4,261 m
- RouteSouth FaceClass 2
- Distance19 mi8,965 ft gain
- Time1 – 2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Face
From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead. Hike the Shepherd Pass Trail over its saddle and down to Shepherd Creek, then up toward Anvil Camp and The Pothole. Leave the trail and climb north into the canyon between Keith and Junction Peak, then take a wide chute of scree and talus on the South Face to the east summit and walk the short ridge to the higher west summit. The route is Class 2 but loose, with long sandy slopes. Strong parties do it in one very long day. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required to camp.
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
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Dry conditions
- Route-finding difficulty
- Storms
Quests with Mount Keith
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Keith
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Keith?
Mount Keith is 13,982 feet (4,261 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Keith?
The South Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 19 miles with 8,965 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Keith?
Most climbers plan 1 – 2 days for the South Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Keith?
The South Face needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 19 miles with 8,965 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 Keith?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Keith reaches 13,982 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 Keith?
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 Keith 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