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- Mount Powell
13,374 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Powell
Mount Powell is a 13,374 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Plateau via Thompson-Powell Col: 18 mi, 7,285 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Powell at a glance
- Elevation13,374 ft4,076 m
- RouteSouth Plateau via Thompson-Powell ColClass 3
- Distance18 mi7,285 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Plateau via Thompson-Powell Col
From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west about 18 miles to the Lake Sabrina trailhead, with overnight parking near the North Lake turnoff. Hike the Sabrina Basin Trail to Blue Lake, follow the use trail to Baboon Lakes, and go cross-country past Sunset Lake to the Thompson-Powell Col. The col is steep, loose scree once the snow melts, so an ice axe helps early. On the broad plateau, walk west past Point Powell and Point Wesley, then scramble Class 3 rock to the true Mount Powell at the west end. Camp at Sunset Lake on an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit, reserved up to six months ahead.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Loose rock
- Snow near summit
- Route-finding difficulty
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Powell
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Powell
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Powell?
Mount Powell is 13,374 feet (4,076 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Powell?
The South Plateau via Thompson-Powell Col 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 7,285 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Powell?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Plateau via Thompson-Powell Col, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Powell dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather and tricky route-finding. 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 Powell?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the South Plateau via Thompson-Powell Col, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Powell?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Powell reaches 13,374 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 climb Mount Powell?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Powell 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