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- Mount Stanford
13,976 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Stanford
Mount Stanford is a 13,976 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Face: 37 mi, 9,340 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Stanford at a glance
- Elevation13,976 ft4,259 m
- RouteEast FaceClass 3
- Distance37 mi9,340 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Face
From Fresno, drive CA 180 to Roads End and hike the Bubbs Creek Trail past Junction Meadow to Vidette Meadow. Follow the John Muir Trail south toward Forester Pass and leave it in the basin northeast of the peak, below Center Basin. Talus and snow lead to the East Face, a sustained Class 3 scramble on mostly sound granite. The north summit is the high point, and Gregory's Monument to the south is linked by a knife-edge. This is the southern Mount Stanford on the Kings-Kern Divide, not the peak of the same name farther north. Plan three or four days. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit is required.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Storms
Quests with Mount Stanford
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Stanford
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Stanford?
Mount Stanford is 13,976 feet (4,259 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Stanford?
The East Face is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 37 miles with 9,340 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Stanford?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the East Face, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Stanford dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock and fast-changing weather. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Mount Stanford?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Face, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Stanford?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Stanford reaches 13,976 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 climb Mount Stanford?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Stanford 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