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- Mount Mendel
13,687 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Mendel
Mount Mendel is a 13,687 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Face via Lamarck Col: 15 mi, 7,210 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Mendel at a glance
- Elevation13,687 ft4,171 m
- RouteEast Face via Lamarck ColClass 3
- Distance15 mi7,210 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Face via Lamarck Col
From Bishop, take Highway 168 west about 18 miles to North Lake Road and park in the hiker lot below North Lake Campground. Follow the Lamarck Lakes Trail and the use trail over Lamarck Col, descend into Darwin Canyon, and climb toward the Darwin Glacier and the saddle between Darwin and Mendel. The East Face is Class 3 on a lot of loose rock and ends on a serrated summit ridge; the north couloirs are ice climbs, not this route. Helmets are wise. Upper Darwin Canyon has good campsites, and overnight trips need 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
- Rockfall
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Mendel
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Mendel
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Mendel?
Mount Mendel is 13,687 feet (4,171 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Mendel?
The East Face via Lamarck 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: 15 miles with 7,210 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Mendel?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the East Face via Lamarck Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Mendel dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather 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 Mendel?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Face via Lamarck Col, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Mendel?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Mendel reaches 13,687 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 Mendel?
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 Mendel 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