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12,205 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Stewart

Mount Stewart is a 12,205 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah Gap: 45 mi, 10,940 ft of gain, Class 3.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Mount Stewart in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0

Mount Stewart at a glance

  • Elevation12,205 ft3,720 m
  • RouteSoutheast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah GapClass 3
  • Distance45 mi10,940 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southeast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah Gap

From Three Rivers, drive the Generals Highway to Wolverton. Hike the Alta Trail over Panther Gap to the High Sierra Trail and on past Hamilton Lakes to Kaweah Gap. Go north into Nine Lake Basin past Lake 10,440, take a grassy ramp to the sandy bowl below the top, then ledges and talus (Class 2). The summit block is short exposed Class 3. The south ridge from Kaweah Gap also works but means long boulder hopping. A Sequoia and Kings Canyon wilderness permit for the High Sierra Trail entry is required overnight.

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
  • Storms
  • Loose rock
  • Steep exposure

Quests with Mount Stewart

Peaks near Mount Stewart

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 13.4 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 14.6 mi away

  3. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 14.6 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 14.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Stewart?

Mount Stewart is 12,205 feet (3,720 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Mount Stewart?

The Southeast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah Gap 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: 45 miles with 10,940 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Stewart?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southeast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah Gap, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount Stewart dangerous to climb?

It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious, 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 Stewart?

It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Slopes via High Sierra Trail and Kaweah Gap, so a helmet is on the gear list.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Stewart?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Stewart reaches 12,205 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 Stewart?

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 Stewart 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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