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13,945 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount LeConte

Mount LeConte is a 13,945 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the West Side Traverse from Corcoran Notch: 16 mi, 7,270 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Mount LeConte in the Sierra Nevada, California

Mount LeConte at a glance

  • Elevation13,945 ft4,250 m
  • RouteWest Side Traverse from Corcoran NotchClass 3
  • Distance16 mi7,270 ft gain
  • Time2 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the West Side Traverse from Corcoran Notch

From Lone Pine, follow Horseshoe Meadow Road to dirt Granite View Drive and the Tuttle Creek trailhead, where a washed-out stretch of road adds walking. Hike past the stone Ashram and up the faint South Fork of Tuttle Creek use trail to camps on a bench. Climb the loose chute to the notch north of Mount Corcoran, traverse low on the west side of the crest, and climb the third gully north to the summit. The route is Class 3 with exposure and few cairns, and this is an SPS mountaineers peak. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips, with a small quota. Bring helmets.

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

What to watch for

  • Rockfall
  • Steep exposure
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude

Quests with Mount LeConte

Peaks near Mount LeConte

  1. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 1.4 mi away

  2. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 2.7 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 3.4 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 4.0 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount LeConte?

Mount LeConte is 13,945 feet (4,250 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Mount LeConte?

The West Side Traverse from Corcoran Notch is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 7,270 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount LeConte?

Most climbers plan 2 days for the West Side Traverse from Corcoran Notch, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount LeConte dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. 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 helmet for Mount LeConte?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the West Side Traverse from Corcoran Notch, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount LeConte?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount LeConte reaches 13,945 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 LeConte?

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 LeConte 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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