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- Mount Reinstein
12,604 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Reinstein
Mount Reinstein is a 12,604 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Face via Regiment Lake: 59 mi, 6,385 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0
Mount Reinstein at a glance
- Elevation12,604 ft3,841 m
- RouteSouth Face via Regiment LakeClass 2
- Distance59 mi6,385 ft gain
- Time4 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the South Face via Regiment Lake
From Fresno, take Highway 168 to Shaver Lake, then Dinkey Creek and McKinley Grove Roads to Courtright Reservoir and the Maxson trailhead. Hike about 13 miles to Big Maxson Meadows and follow the North Fork Kings River trail up to Portal Lake. Go cross-country past Pearl and Regiment Lakes to the saddle south of the peak and climb the loose, sandy class 2 South Face. The ridges offer blocky class 3 options. This is a long wilderness trip of four days or more, with no services past the reservoir. A Sierra National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov 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
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Mount Reinstein
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Reinstein
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Reinstein?
Mount Reinstein is 12,604 feet (3,841 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Reinstein?
The South Face via Regiment Lake is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 59 miles with 6,385 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Reinstein?
Most climbers plan 4 – 5 days for the South Face via Regiment Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Reinstein?
The South Face via Regiment Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 59 miles with 6,385 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 Reinstein?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Reinstein reaches 12,604 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 Reinstein?
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 Reinstein 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