- …
- Yak
- Quests
- Sierra Peaks Section
- Mount Stanford
12,842 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Stanford
Mount Stanford is a 12,842 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Slope via Hilton Creek Lakes: 15 mi, 3,715 ft of gain, Class 2.
Mount Stanford at a glance
- Elevation12,842 ft3,914 m
- RouteEast Slope via Hilton Creek LakesClass 2
- Distance15 mi3,715 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Slope via Hilton Creek Lakes
From Toms Place on US 395, drive Rock Creek Road past Rock Creek Lake to the Hilton Lakes trailhead, also called the Davis Lake trailhead. Follow the sandy Hilton Creek trail to the Hilton Lakes and on to its end at the fourth lake. A use trail runs up the creek on its north side, then cross-country leads west-northwest to the saddle south of Stanford Lake. Climb the Class 2 east slope, ignoring the higher unnamed peak to the north and a false summit. The true top stays hidden until close and has a few easy Class 3 moves. Start early to beat storms.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (35–55 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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- High altitude
- Rapid weather shifts
Quests with Mount Stanford
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Stanford?
Mount Stanford is 12,842 feet (3,914 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Stanford?
The East Slope via Hilton Creek Lakes is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 3,715 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Stanford?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the East Slope via Hilton Creek Lakes, covering 15 miles with 3,715 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Mount Stanford?
The East Slope via Hilton Creek Lakes needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 3,715 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 Stanford?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Stanford reaches 12,842 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 Stanford?
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 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