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- Mount Wynne
13,183 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Mount Wynne
Mount Wynne is a 13,183 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the East Ridge via Armstrong Canyon: 20 mi, 8,545 ft of gain, Class 2.
Photo: Martin Bravenboer, CC BY 4.0
Mount Wynne at a glance
- Elevation13,183 ft4,018 m
- RouteEast Ridge via Armstrong CanyonClass 2
- Distance20 mi8,545 ft gain
- Time2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the East Ridge via Armstrong Canyon
From US 395 about 8 miles north of Independence, follow Black Rock Springs Road, Tinemaha Road and Division Creek Road to Forest Road 12S01 and Scotty Spring, where most cars stop. Hike the narrow mining road into Armstrong Canyon, climb a long, loose talus chute to the Sierra crest, and drop into the lake basin to the west. The east ridge of Mount Wynne is Class 2, and Mount Pinchot is a short ridge walk north. The canyon is dry, so carry water. Most parties camp at the lakes on an Inyo National Forest wilderness permit. The 2026 Rock Fire closed this area, so check Inyo National Forest alerts before going.
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
- Dry conditions
- Loose rock
- Route-finding difficulty
- Remote location
Quests with Mount Wynne
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Mount Wynne
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Wynne?
Mount Wynne is 13,183 feet (4,018 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Mount Wynne?
The East Ridge via Armstrong Canyon is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 20 miles with 8,545 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Wynne?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the East Ridge via Armstrong Canyon, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Mount Wynne?
The East Ridge via Armstrong Canyon needs no climbing skills, but it is a very hard trip: 20 miles with 8,545 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 Wynne?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Wynne reaches 13,183 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 Wynne?
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 Wynne 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