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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.

Mount Senger in the Sierra Nevada, California

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

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 22.8 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 23.2 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 25.8 mi away

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