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- Mount Pickering
13,470 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Pickering
Mount Pickering is a 13,470 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Normal Route via Rock Creek: 37 mi, 8,265 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Mitch Barrie, CC BY-SA 2.0
Mount Pickering at a glance
- Elevation13,470 ft4,105 m
- RouteNormal Route via Rock CreekClass 2
- Distance37 mi8,265 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Normal Route via Rock 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, the usual base camp. The Class 2 route follows the ridge north from the Joe Devel side, staying east of the crest, or climbs the southeast ridge from the Erin Lake drainage above upper Rock Creek. Talus is loose in places and the summit looks down into Miter Basin. Most parties link it with Joe Devel, Newcomb and Chamberlin. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for the overnight trip and summer quotas fill early. 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 Pickering
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Pickering
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Pickering?
Mount Pickering is 13,470 feet (4,105 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Pickering?
The Normal Route via Rock Creek is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 8,265 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Pickering?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Normal Route via Rock Creek, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Pickering?
The Normal Route via Rock Creek needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 37 miles with 8,265 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 Pickering?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Pickering reaches 13,470 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 Pickering?
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 Pickering 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