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- Mount Williamson
14,379 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Williamson
Mount Williamson is a 14,379 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Shepherd Pass Trail: 28 mi, 8,087 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Williamson at a glance
- Elevation14,379 ft4,382 m
- RouteShepherd Pass TrailClass 3
- Distance28 mi8,087 ft gain
- Time20+ hrsVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Shepherd Pass Trail
From Independence, CA, start at the Shepherd Pass trailhead (Symmes Creek). The approach is one of the Sierra's most grueling - about 10 miles and 6,000+ feet over Shepherd Pass to a high camp near Williamson Bowl. The West Side climbs through the bowl and up a Class 3 chute to the summit plateau; route-finding in the chute is the crux and errors lead to harder ground. Most parties take three days. A wilderness permit is required and the Shepherd Pass trail is notoriously loose and hot. California's second-highest peak - remote and hard-earned.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Gaiters
Helmet
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Midweight Gloves
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- High winds
- Loose rock
- Storms
- Remote location
- Altitude sickness
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- Route-finding difficulty
- Low visibility
Quests with Mount Williamson
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ersPeaks near Mount Williamson
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Williamson?
Mount Williamson is 14,379 feet (4,382 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How does Mount Williamson rank among the California 14ers?
At 14,379 feet, Mount Williamson is the 2nd highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.
How hard is it to climb Mount Williamson?
The Shepherd Pass Trail 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: 28 miles with 8,087 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Williamson?
Most people take 20+ hours round trip on the Shepherd Pass Trail, covering 28 miles with 8,087 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Is Mount Williamson 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 Williamson?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Shepherd Pass Trail, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Will you get altitude sickness on Mount Williamson?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Williamson reaches 14,379 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
What time should you start climbing Mount Williamson?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 20+ hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.
When is the best time to climb Mount Williamson?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for Mount Williamson?
The Shepherd Pass Trail starts at about 6,320 feet, roughly 8,059 feet below the summit.
Climb Mount Williamson 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