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- Mount Morgan
13,012 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Morgan
Mount Morgan is a 13,012 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slope via Davis Lake: 14 mi, 5,040 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Thumb10.40, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mount Morgan at a glance
- Elevation13,012 ft3,966 m
- RouteSoutheast Slope via Davis LakeClass 2
- Distance14 mi5,040 ft gain
- Time10 – 12 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Slope via Davis Lake
From Toms Place on US 395, drive Rock Creek Road past Rock Creek Lake to the Hilton Lakes trailhead. Follow the Hilton Creek trail north, then take the branch that drops to Davis Lake. From the flats at the south end of its west arm, a faint use trail heads northwest through trees to a huge sand slope. Climb the broad southeast slope, Class 2 sand and loose talus with several false summits, to the top. Bushwhacking along the lakeshore is slow, so look for the use trail. The slope is dry and sunny, so carry plenty of water and start early.
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
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Dry conditions
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Morgan
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Morgan?
Mount Morgan is 13,012 feet (3,966 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Morgan?
The Southeast Slope via Davis Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 14 miles with 5,040 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Morgan?
Most people take 10 – 12 hours round trip on the Southeast Slope via Davis Lake, covering 14 miles with 5,040 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Morgan?
The Southeast Slope via Davis Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 14 miles with 5,040 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Morgan?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Morgan reaches 13,012 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 Morgan?
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 Morgan 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