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- Mount Maclure
13,000 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Maclure
Mount Maclure is a 13,000 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Lyell-Maclure Col: 27 mi, 4,400 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Matthes, F.E
Mount Maclure at a glance
- Elevation13,000 ft3,962 m
- RouteLyell-Maclure ColClass 3
- Distance27 mi4,400 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Lyell-Maclure Col
In Yosemite, take Tioga Road (CA 120) to Tuolumne Meadows and the John Muir Trail parking on the lodge road. Hike the JMT up the long, flat Lyell Canyon and climb toward Donohue Pass, then leave the trail and head south over slabs and benches to the remnant Lyell glacier. Cross the snow to the Lyell-Maclure col and climb the ridge to the summit on Class 2 and 3 rock. Carry axe and crampons, since the snowfield stays hard and steep, and watch for rockfall. Lyell is easily added from the col. Most parties camp in upper Lyell Canyon with a Yosemite wilderness permit.
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
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
Quests with Mount Maclure
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Maclure?
Mount Maclure is 13,000 feet (3,962 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Maclure?
The Lyell-Maclure Col 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: 27 miles with 4,400 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Maclure?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Lyell-Maclure Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Maclure 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 helmet for Mount Maclure?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Lyell-Maclure Col, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Maclure?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Maclure reaches 13,000 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 Maclure?
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 Maclure 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