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13,419 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Newcomb

Mount Newcomb is a 13,419 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek: 38 mi, 7,280 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Newcomb in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Mitch Barrie, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Newcomb at a glance

  • Elevation13,419 ft4,090 m
  • RouteSouthwest Slope from Perrin CreekClass 2
  • Distance38 mi7,280 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek

From Lone Pine, drive Horseshoe Meadow Road to the Cottonwood Pass trailhead. Cross the pass and follow the Pacific Crest Trail north to Rock Creek, then continue toward Guyot Pass and leave the trail for the Perrin Creek drainage. From the highest lake, climb the Class 2 southwest slope, keeping left in the first gully for easier ground. The summit overlooks Miter Basin and the Whitney crest. Traverses to Chamberlin or Pickering add Class 3 ridge scrambling. Perrin Creek may dry up early. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight trip, with summer quotas. Bear canisters are required.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (55–75 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

  • Remote location
  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Loose rock

Quests with Mount Newcomb

Peaks near Mount Newcomb

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 1.7 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 2.7 mi away

  3. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 3.2 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 3.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Newcomb?

Mount Newcomb is 13,419 feet (4,090 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Newcomb?

The Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 38 miles with 7,280 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Newcomb?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Newcomb?

The Southwest Slope from Perrin Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 38 miles with 7,280 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Newcomb?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Newcomb reaches 13,419 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 Newcomb?

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 Newcomb 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

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