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- Mount Muir
14,018 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Muir
Mount Muir is a 14,018 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Mount Whitney Trail: 18 mi, 5,810 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Muir at a glance
- Elevation14,018 ft4,272 m
- RouteMount Whitney TrailClass 3
- Distance18 mi5,810 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Mount Whitney Trail
From Lone Pine, CA, drive to Whitney Portal and hike the Mount Whitney Trail. Muir sits directly on the trail about a half mile south of Trail Crest; from near 14,000 feet a short but exposed Class 3 scramble leads to the small summit block. The same competitive Whitney permit lottery applies. Most climbers tag Muir as a side trip on a Whitney day or overnight. The summit pinnacle is airy and route-finding on the blocks matters. A quick Class 3 objective for those already on the Whitney Trail.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Helmet
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Midweight Gloves
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Altitude sickness
- Rockfall
- Low visibility
Quests with Mount Muir
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Mount Muir
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Muir?
Mount Muir is 14,018 feet (4,272 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How does Mount Muir rank among the California 14ers?
At 14,018 feet, Mount Muir is the 11th highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.
How hard is it to climb Mount Muir?
The Mount Whitney Trail 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: 18 miles with 5,810 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Muir?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the Mount Whitney Trail, covering 18 miles with 5,810 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Muir dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. 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 Muir?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Mount Whitney Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Muir?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Muir reaches 14,018 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Mount Muir?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 12 – 14 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Mount Muir?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Muir?
The Mount Whitney Trail starts at about 8,330 feet, roughly 5,688 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Muir 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