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13,505 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Thompson

Mount Thompson is a 13,505 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southwest Face via Thompson-Powell Col: 18 mi, 6,820 ft of gain, Class 2.

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

Photo: Marty B, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mount Thompson at a glance

  • Elevation13,505 ft4,116 m
  • RouteSouthwest Face via Thompson-Powell ColClass 2
  • Distance18 mi6,820 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Southwest Face via Thompson-Powell Col

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west about 18 miles to the Lake Sabrina trailhead; overnight parking is near the North Lake turnoff below the dam. Follow the Sabrina Basin Trail to Blue Lake and a fading use trail to Baboon Lakes, then go cross-country to Sunset Lake. Climb loose moraine or snow to the Thompson-Powell Col, drop a little on the far side, and take the right-hand chute of the Class 2 Southwest Face to the summit plateau. The first chute leads to the harder West Ridge. An ice axe helps early. Camp at Sunset or Baboon Lakes with an Inyo 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

  • Loose rock
  • Snow near summit
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Thompson

Peaks near Mount Thompson

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 6.4 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 6.9 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 9.4 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 13.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Thompson?

Mount Thompson is 13,505 feet (4,116 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Thompson?

The Southwest Face via Thompson-Powell Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 18 miles with 6,820 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Thompson?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the Southwest Face via Thompson-Powell Col, with at least one night on the mountain.

Can a beginner hike Mount Thompson?

The Southwest Face via Thompson-Powell Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 18 miles with 6,820 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 Thompson?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Thompson reaches 13,505 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 Thompson?

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 Thompson 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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