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- Mount McDuffie
13,275 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount McDuffie
Mount McDuffie is a 13,275 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Ridge via Ladder Lake: 34 mi, 11,000 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Christopher Ryerson
Mount McDuffie at a glance
- Elevation13,275 ft4,046 m
- RouteSoutheast Ridge via Ladder LakeClass 2
- Distance34 mi11,000 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Ridge via Ladder Lake
From Bishop, drive to the South Lake trailhead, cross Bishop Pass and descend Dusy Basin to the John Muir Trail in Le Conte Canyon. Head north a short way, then climb steeply west through forest and a loose chute to remote Ladder Lake. Continue southwest over talus and an easy slabby chute to the Black Divide crest, then traverse the Southeast Ridge, staying just below the crest on its west side to keep it class 2. Rock on the divide is very loose, so move carefully. Plan three days or more. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount McDuffie
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount McDuffie
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount McDuffie?
Mount McDuffie is 13,275 feet (4,046 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount McDuffie?
The Southeast Ridge via Ladder Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 34 miles with 11,000 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount McDuffie?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southeast Ridge via Ladder Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount McDuffie?
The Southeast Ridge via Ladder Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 34 miles with 11,000 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount McDuffie?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount McDuffie reaches 13,275 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 hike Mount McDuffie?
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 McDuffie 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