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13,794 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount McAdie

Mount McAdie is a 13,794 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Summit via Arc Pass: 13 mi, 5,500 ft of gain, Class 3.

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

Photo: Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.5

Mount McAdie at a glance

  • Elevation13,794 ft4,204 m
  • RouteNorth Summit via Arc PassClass 3
  • Distance13 mi5,500 ft gain
  • Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Summit via Arc Pass

From Lone Pine, drive Whitney Portal Road to Whitney Portal. Hike the Mount Whitney Trail to Trailside Meadow, then leave it for Consultation Lake and climb loose moraine and steep scree to Arc Pass. Ascend toward the lower south summit, make a hard, exposed Class 3 downclimb into the notch, and follow a ledge left around the west side to the higher north summit. Helmets help on the loose chutes. A Mt. Whitney Zone permit is mandatory even for day hikes, awarded by lottery each spring. The longer Meysan Lake approach avoids the zone but adds a high ridge crossing. Start before dawn.

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
  • Helmet

What to watch for

  • Steep exposure
  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • High altitude

Quests with Mount McAdie

Peaks near Mount McAdie

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 1.2 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 2.0 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 2.8 mi away

  4. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 2.8 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount McAdie?

Mount McAdie is 13,794 feet (4,204 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Mount McAdie?

The North Summit via Arc Pass 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: 13 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to climb Mount McAdie?

Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the North Summit via Arc Pass, covering 13 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Is Mount McAdie 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 McAdie?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the North Summit via Arc Pass, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount McAdie?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount McAdie reaches 13,794 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 McAdie?

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 McAdie 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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