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- Mount Senger
12,273 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Senger
Mount Senger is a 12,273 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Slope via Sallie Keyes Lakes: 32 mi, 6,525 ft of gain, Class 2.

Photo: Will Keightley, CC BY-SA 2.0
Mount Senger at a glance
- Elevation12,273 ft3,740 m
- RouteSouthwest Slope via Sallie Keyes LakesClass 2
- Distance32 mi6,525 ft gain
- Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southwest Slope via Sallie Keyes Lakes
From Fresno, take Highway 168 past Huntington Lake, cross Kaiser Pass on a narrow, often one-lane road, and continue to the Florence Lake trailhead. A seasonal ferry shortens the walk around the lake. Hike past Blayney Meadows and Muir Trail Ranch, then turn north toward Selden Pass and climb to Sallie Keyes Lakes. From the south shore of the eastern lake, go straight up the Class 2 southwest slope to the flat summit, which looks out over Marie Lake and Seven Gables. Mount Hooper, just west of Selden Pass, pairs well. Plan two days with a Sierra 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
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- Rapid weather shifts
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Mount Senger
Peaks near Mount Senger
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Senger?
Mount Senger is 12,273 feet (3,740 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Senger?
The Southwest Slope via Sallie Keyes Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 32 miles with 6,525 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Senger?
Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Slope via Sallie Keyes Lakes, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Senger?
The Southwest Slope via Sallie Keyes Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 32 miles with 6,525 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 Senger?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Senger reaches 12,273 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 Senger?
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 Senger 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


