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- Mount Mills
13,465 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Mills
Mount Mills is a 13,465 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Couloir: 10 mi, 3,420 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Mills at a glance
- Elevation13,465 ft4,104 m
- RouteEast CouloirClass 3
- Distance10 mi3,420 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Couloir
From Toms Place on US 395, drive Rock Creek Road to Mosquito Flat. Hike the Mono Pass Trail to Ruby Lake, go around its east shore, and follow the drainage past Mills Lake to the east face. Of three chutes in the middle of the face, take the right one, which starts with a large chockstone passed on its left (Class 3). The gully above is steep, sandy and very loose, ending near notches north of the summit plateau. The left chute leads into dangerous Class 4 rock, so confirm the line before committing. Keep the party small and wear helmets.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 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
- Rockfall
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Snow near summit
Quests with Mount Mills
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Mills
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Mills?
Mount Mills is 13,465 feet (4,104 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Mills?
The East Couloir 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: 10 miles with 3,420 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Mills?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the East Couloir, covering 10 miles with 3,420 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Mills 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 Mills?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Couloir, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Mills?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Mills reaches 13,465 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 Mills?
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 Mills 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