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- Mount Perkins
12,591 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Perkins
Mount Perkins is a 12,591 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Ridge via Armstrong Canyon: 18 mi, 6,830 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
Mount Perkins at a glance
- Elevation12,591 ft3,837 m
- RouteNorth Ridge via Armstrong CanyonClass 2
- Distance18 mi6,830 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Ridge via Armstrong Canyon
From US 395 about 8 miles north of Independence, follow Black Rock Springs Road, Tinemaha Road and Division Creek Road past the powerhouse, then turn onto Forest Road 12S01 to Scotty Spring. The narrow mining road above needs high clearance, so many park here. Walk the road into Armstrong Canyon, continue cross-country up the dry canyon, and climb the Class 2 north ridge to the summit, staying just west of the loose crest. There is little water, so carry plenty. The 2026 Rock Fire burned this canyon and closed the area, so check Inyo National Forest alerts first. Overnight trips need an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit.
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
- Dry conditions
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Perkins
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Perkins
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Perkins?
Mount Perkins is 12,591 feet (3,837 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Perkins?
The North Ridge via Armstrong Canyon is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 18 miles with 6,830 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Perkins?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the North Ridge via Armstrong Canyon, covering 18 miles with 6,830 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Perkins?
The North Ridge via Armstrong Canyon needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 18 miles with 6,830 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 Perkins?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Perkins reaches 12,591 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 Perkins?
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 Perkins 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