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- Mount Ritter
13,161 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Ritter
Mount Ritter is a 13,161 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Face via Ritter-Banner Saddle: 24 mi, 7,320 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Ritter at a glance
- Elevation13,161 ft4,011 m
- RouteNorth Face via Ritter-Banner SaddleClass 2
- Distance24 mi7,320 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Face via Ritter-Banner Saddle
From Mammoth Lakes, ride the Reds Meadow shuttle from the Main Lodge to Agnew Meadows; it is mandatory by day in season and road work limits open days. Follow the High Trail (PCT) to Thousand Island Lake, then go cross-country up the remnant Banner glacier to the Ritter-Banner saddle. From the saddle, climb the north face on Class 2 snow and talus to the top. Bring axe and crampons, since the snow is steep and hard early in the day, and watch for rockfall. Ritter has a long accident record. Most parties camp at Thousand Island Lake with 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
- Snow near summit
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Storms
- Route-finding difficulty
Quests with Mount Ritter
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Ritter?
Mount Ritter is 13,161 feet (4,011 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Ritter?
The North Face via Ritter-Banner Saddle is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 24 miles with 7,320 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Ritter?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Face via Ritter-Banner Saddle, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Ritter?
The North Face via Ritter-Banner Saddle needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 24 miles with 7,320 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 Ritter?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Ritter reaches 13,161 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 Ritter?
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 Ritter 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