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11,193 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Silliman

Mount Silliman is an 11,193 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Silliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman Pass: 22 mi, 5,100 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Mount Silliman in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Erik Fitzpatrick, CC BY 2.0

Mount Silliman at a glance

  • Elevation11,193 ft3,411 m
  • RouteSilliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman PassClass 1
  • Distance22 mi5,100 ft gain
  • Time14 – 16 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Silliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman Pass

From Three Rivers, drive the Generals Highway through Sequoia National Park to Lodgepole and park near the Twin Lakes trailhead by the Marble Fork bridge. Follow the Twin Lakes Trail over Cahoon Gap to Twin Lakes and Silliman Pass, then walk the crest south to the summit. A shorter, popular option leaves the trail before the Silliman Creek crossing and climbs the drainage past Silliman Lake (Class 2 slabs). Silliman Creek is the Lodgepole water supply, so keep waste far from it. Camping needs a Sequoia and Kings Canyon 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

  • Storms
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Snow near summit
  • Loose rock

Quests with Mount Silliman

Peaks near Mount Silliman

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 19.9 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 21.4 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 22.8 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 22.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Silliman?

Mount Silliman is 11,193 feet (3,411 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Silliman?

The Silliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman Pass is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 22 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Silliman?

Most people take 14 – 16 hours round trip on the Silliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman Pass, covering 22 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Silliman?

The Silliman Crest via Twin Lakes Trail and Silliman Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 22 miles with 5,100 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

What time should you start hiking Mount Silliman?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 14 – 16 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Mount Silliman?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Mount Silliman 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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