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13,852 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Mallory

Mount Mallory is a 13,852 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Chute from Meysan Lake: 14 mi, 5,985 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Mount Mallory at a glance

  • Elevation13,852 ft4,222 m
  • RouteEast Chute from Meysan LakeClass 2
  • Distance14 mi5,985 ft gain
  • Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the East Chute from Meysan Lake

From Lone Pine, drive Whitney Portal Road to the signed Meysan Lake pullout above Whitney Portal Campground. Walk through the campground and cabin roads to the Meysan Lakes Trail, which climbs steeply and fades near Meysan Lake. From the lake, climb the loose chute just north of the peak's east ridge, pass chockstones on the right, then follow sandy ledges and the east ridge over talus to the summit (Class 2). Rockfall is a real risk in the chute, so space the group and wear helmets. Camping at the lakes requires an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, with a small quota.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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

  • Rockfall
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude
  • Storms

Quests with Mount Mallory

Peaks near Mount Mallory

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 1.9 mi away

  2. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 2.2 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 2.6 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 3.2 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Mallory?

Mount Mallory is 13,852 feet (4,222 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Mallory?

The East Chute from Meysan Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 5,985 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Mallory?

Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the East Chute from Meysan Lake, covering 14 miles with 5,985 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Mallory?

The East Chute from Meysan Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 14 miles with 5,985 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Mallory?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Mallory reaches 13,852 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Mallory?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 10 – 12 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Mallory?

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 Mallory 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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