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13,372 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Mount Wallace

Mount Wallace is a 13,372 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope via Echo Lake: 20 mi, 4,600 ft of gain, Class 4.

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

Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0

Mount Wallace at a glance

  • Elevation13,372 ft4,075 m
  • RouteNorth Slope via Echo LakeClass 4
  • Distance20 mi4,600 ft gain
  • Time2 – 3 daysVery Hard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the North Slope via Echo Lake

From Bishop, drive Highway 168 west about 18 miles to the Lake Sabrina trailhead, parking overnight near the North Lake turnoff. The Sabrina Basin Trail climbs past Blue and Dingleberry Lakes toward Hungry Packer Lake; leave it for Moonlight Lake and the Echo Lake drainage. Stay high above Echo Lake into the cirque between Wallace and Haeckel, then hop Class 2 boulders up the north slope. The small summit block is an exposed move rated Class 4 by the SPS, and the east face is rotten. Pair it with Haeckel from a camp below Echo Lake on 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
  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Rope
  • Belay Device
  • Carabiners

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Rockfall
  • Steep exposure
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Mount Wallace

Peaks near Mount Wallace

  1. North Palisade

    North Palisade

    14,248 ft · 8.6 mi away

  2. Mount Sill

    Mount Sill

    14,159 ft · 9.1 mi away

  3. Middle Palisade

    Middle Palisade

    14,012 ft · 11.6 mi away

  4. Split Mountain

    Split Mountain

    14,064 ft · 15.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Mount Wallace?

Mount Wallace is 13,372 feet (4,075 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to climb Mount Wallace?

The North Slope via Echo Lake is Class 4, which means exposed scrambling, where many parties bring a rope. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 4,600 feet of elevation gain.

How many days does it take to climb Mount Wallace?

Most climbers plan 2 – 3 days for the North Slope via Echo Lake, with at least one night on the mountain.

Is Mount Wallace 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 rope to climb Mount Wallace?

Most parties bring one. The North Slope via Echo Lake is Class 4, and the gear list includes a rope, harness and belay device.

Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Wallace?

Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Wallace reaches 13,372 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 Wallace?

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 Wallace 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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