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12,887 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Rixford

Mount Rixford is a 12,887 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slopes: 16 mi, 5,425 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Rixford in the Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Rixford at a glance

  • Elevation12,887 ft3,927 m
  • RouteSouth SlopesClass 2
  • Distance16 mi5,425 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the South Slopes

From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road about 13 miles to the Onion Valley trailhead. Hike the Kearsarge Pass Trail over Kearsarge Pass, descend a short way toward Bullfrog Lake, and traverse west without losing height to the broad south slopes. Climb the Class 2 talus on the southeast side rather than the loose face right above Bullfrog Lake, then make a few easy moves on the summit rocks. The return means reclimbing to Kearsarge Pass. Camping at Bullfrog Lake is not allowed. Many parties pair this peak with Mount Gould along the connecting Class 2 ridge. Start early to clear the crest before storms.

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
  • High altitude
  • Storms
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Rixford

Peaks near Mount Rixford

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 9.6 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 10.2 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 14.7 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 15.4 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Rixford?

Mount Rixford is 12,887 feet (3,927 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Rixford?

The South Slopes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 5,425 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Rixford?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the South Slopes, covering 16 miles with 5,425 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Rixford?

The South Slopes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 5,425 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Rixford?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Rixford reaches 12,887 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Mount Rixford?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 11 – 13 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Rixford?

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 Rixford 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

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