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- Mount McGee
12,974 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount McGee
Mount McGee is a 12,974 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Chute: 37 mi, 10,590 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
Mount McGee at a glance
- Elevation12,974 ft3,954 m
- RouteSouthwest ChuteClass 3
- Distance37 mi10,590 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Chute
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west to North Lake Road and park in the hiker lot below the campground. Cross Lamarck Col, descend Darwin Canyon to the John Muir Trail, and follow it down Evolution Valley to the McGee Creek use trail. Ascend McGee Canyon toward the McGee Lakes and work around to the Davis Lakes on the peak's south side. The usual Class 3 route climbs the southwest chute to the notch between the west and central summits; stay on the solid right wall to avoid loose scree. Ford Evolution Creek with care. Plan three or four days on an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, reserved 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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Stream crossing
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount McGee
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount McGee
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount McGee?
Mount McGee is 12,974 feet (3,954 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount McGee?
The Southwest Chute 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: 37 miles with 10,590 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount McGee?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Southwest Chute, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount McGee dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. 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 McGee?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southwest Chute, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount McGee?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount McGee reaches 12,974 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 McGee?
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 McGee 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