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- Mount Prater
13,512 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Prater
Mount Prater is a 13,512 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slope via Red Lake: 22 mi, 8,815 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Leaf Petersen, CC BY 2.0
Mount Prater at a glance
- Elevation13,512 ft4,118 m
- RouteSouth Slope via Red LakeClass 2
- Distance22 mi8,815 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Slope via Red Lake
From Big Pine, follow Glacier Lodge Road west and McMurry Meadows Road south; the last miles to the Red Lake trailhead need high clearance and often 4WD, and the Tinemaha Campground road is closed private land. Climb the steep, faint Red Lake Trail to Red Lake. Above it, boulder fields lead to a loose couloir onto the ridge north of Split Mountain, so wear a helmet. Drop to the Split-Prater saddle and climb the Class 2 south slope, crossing a short exposed rock bridge before the summit. Most parties camp at Red Lake. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips.
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
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Steep exposure
- High altitude
Quests with Mount Prater
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Prater
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Prater?
Mount Prater is 13,512 feet (4,118 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Prater?
The South Slope via Red Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 22 miles with 8,815 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Prater?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the South Slope via Red Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Prater?
The South Slope via Red Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 22 miles with 8,815 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 Prater?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Prater reaches 13,512 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 Prater?
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 Prater 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