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- Mount Morgan
13,757 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Morgan
Mount Morgan is a 13,757 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Ridge via Francis Lake: 10 mi, 4,640 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Gregory Bryson, CC BY 2.0
Mount Morgan at a glance
- Elevation13,757 ft4,193 m
- RouteNorthwest Ridge via Francis LakeClass 2
- Distance10 mi4,640 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northwest Ridge via Francis Lake
From Toms Place on US 395, drive Rock Creek Road to Rock Creek Lake and the Tamarack Lakes trailhead by the campground. Follow the trail toward Kenneth and Francis lakes until it ends at Francis Lake. Head west up sandy slopes to a gap in the northwest ridge with views into Little Lakes Valley, then follow the ridge south over talus to a plateau and the final boulder pile. Dropping slightly to the north side keeps it Class 2. This is the highest peak around Rock Creek, so the top is often windy and cold. Start early to stay ahead of afternoon storms.
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
- High altitude
- Loose rock
- High winds
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Morgan
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Morgan?
Mount Morgan is 13,757 feet (4,193 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Morgan?
The Northwest Ridge via Francis Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 4,640 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Morgan?
Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Northwest Ridge via Francis Lake, covering 10 miles with 4,640 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 Northwest Ridge via Francis Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 4,640 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 13,757 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