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9,146 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Lola

Mount Lola is a 9,146 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Mount Lola Trail: 10 mi, 2,600 ft of gain, Class 1.

Mount Lola at a glance

  • Elevation9,146 ft2,787 m
  • RouteMount Lola TrailClass 1
  • Distance10 mi2,600 ft gain
  • Time7 – 9 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Mount Lola Trail

From Truckee, drive Highway 89 north to Jackson Meadows Road, turn left onto Independence Lake Road, then right onto Henness Pass Road (County Route 301) to the Mount Lola trailhead. The Mount Lola Trail climbs through forest to Cold Stream, crosses a flower-filled meadow, then switchbacks up to the open northeast ridge and a sandy final mile to the summit. The route is Class 1. The dirt roads are rocky but passable for careful drivers. Cold Stream is a rock-hop crossing early in the season. There is no cell service past Truckee, so download maps first.

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

  • Stream crossing
  • High winds
  • Spotty cell reception
  • Snow near summit

Quests with Mount Lola

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Lola?

Mount Lola is 9,146 feet (2,787 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Lola?

The Mount Lola Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 10 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Lola?

Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Mount Lola Trail, covering 10 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Mount Lola?

Usually, if you are fit. The Mount Lola Trail is a common first summit for hikers ready for 7 – 9 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Mount Lola?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Lola?

The Mount Lola Trail starts at about 6,620 feet, roughly 2,526 feet below the summit.

Climb Mount Lola 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