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- Mount Winchell
13,771 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Winchell
Mount Winchell is a 13,771 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Arete: 19 mi, 6,165 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Justin.Johnsen, CC BY 2.0
Mount Winchell at a glance
- Elevation13,771 ft4,197 m
- RouteEast AreteClass 3
- Distance19 mi6,165 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Arete
From Big Pine on US 395, drive Glacier Lodge Road to the Big Pine Creek trailhead and hike the North Fork Trail to Sam Mack Meadow. Climb the chute west of the meadow, pass the lake above on ledges, and boulder-hop the north moraine of the Thunderbolt Glacier to the base of the peak. The East Arete climbs a chute to a knife-edged crest of solid class 3 rock with real exposure, then slips left into a last chute. Wear a helmet and carry an ice axe and crampons early in the season. Most camp at Sam Mack Meadow. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required for overnight trips; reserve on Recreation.gov 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
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Knife-edge ridge
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
Quests with Mount Winchell
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Winchell
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Winchell?
Mount Winchell is 13,771 feet (4,197 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Mount Winchell?
The East Arete 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: 19 miles with 6,165 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Winchell?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the East Arete, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Mount Winchell dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: exposed sections where a fall would be serious and rockfall from loose rock. 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 Winchell?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the East Arete, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Winchell?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Winchell reaches 13,771 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 Winchell?
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 Winchell 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