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13,657 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Tom

Mount Tom is a 13,657 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Horton Lakes-Tungstar Mine: 16 mi, 6,080 ft of gain, Class 2.

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Mount Tom in the Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Tom at a glance

  • Elevation13,657 ft4,162 m
  • RouteHorton Lakes-Tungstar MineClass 2
  • Distance16 mi6,080 ft gain
  • Time11 – 13 hrsVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Horton Lakes-Tungstar Mine

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west and turn onto Buttermilk Road, then the rough Horton Lakes spur to the locked gate; high clearance helps. Walk the old mining road toward Horton Lake, then take the branch that switchbacks north into the hanging valley and on to the Tungstar Mine. Above the mine, a use trail climbs a chute before the route turns into a long Class 2 scree and talus slog over ribs to the summit. A cornice can linger on the southwest ridge into June. Leave the mining relics in place, since they are protected. Start early and carry plenty of water.

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
  • Dry conditions
  • Cornices
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Tom

Peaks near Mount Tom

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 18.6 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 18.8 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 21.3 mi away

  4. White Mountain Peak

    White Mountain Peak

    14,252 ft · 30.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Tom?

Mount Tom is 13,657 feet (4,162 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Mount Tom?

The Horton Lakes-Tungstar Mine is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 16 miles with 6,080 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Mount Tom?

Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Horton Lakes-Tungstar Mine, covering 16 miles with 6,080 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Mount Tom?

The Horton Lakes-Tungstar Mine needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard day: 16 miles with 6,080 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 Tom?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Tom reaches 13,657 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 Tom?

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 Tom 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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