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- Mount Morrison
12,270 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Morrison
Mount Morrison is a 12,270 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slope: 8 mi, 5,110 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Morrison at a glance
- Elevation12,270 ft3,739 m
- RouteEast SlopeClass 2
- Distance8 mi5,110 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Slope
From US 395 south of Mammoth Lakes, take Convict Lake Road to the parking area at the northeast end of the lake. Climb the steep sandy slope above the southeast shore, then follow the drainage south while staying high on the firmer ridge east of the boulder-choked creek. Pass a small tarn and turn west under the east slope. A faint use trail climbs the right-hand chute, then crosses a buttress into the wide bowl to the summit, all Class 2 on loose sand and scree. There is no shade, so start early with plenty of water. Helmets help in the chutes.
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
- Rockfall
- Dry conditions
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Morrison
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Morrison?
Mount Morrison is 12,270 feet (3,739 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Morrison?
The East Slope is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 8 miles with 5,110 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Morrison?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the East Slope, covering 8 miles with 5,110 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Morrison?
The East Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 8 miles with 5,110 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 Morrison?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Morrison reaches 12,270 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 Morrison?
The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Morrison 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