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11,008 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Muah Mountain

Muah Mountain is an 11,008 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Slope via Mulkey Pass: 12 mi, 2,860 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section

Muah Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation11,008 ft3,355 m
  • RouteNorthwest Slope via Mulkey PassClass 2
  • Distance12 mi2,860 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Northwest Slope via Mulkey Pass

From Lone Pine, take Whitney Portal Road west, turn south on Horseshoe Meadow Road and drive the long switchbacks to the Mulkey Pass stock trailhead near the meadow, just before road's end. Cross the meadow to the faint Mulkey Pass Trail, climb to the pass, then follow the Pacific Crest Trail southeast and down toward Diaz Creek. Leave the trail and climb the forested Class 2 northwest slopes, passing several false summits on the ridge to reach the true high point above Owens Lake. The road is open about late May to early November. Start early to beat afternoon storms.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 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

  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Spotty cell reception

Quests with Muah Mountain

Peaks near Muah Mountain

  1. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 10.7 mi away

  2. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 14.7 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 15.5 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 16.1 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Muah Mountain?

Muah Mountain is 11,008 feet (3,355 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Muah Mountain?

The Northwest Slope via Mulkey Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 2,860 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Muah Mountain?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Northwest Slope via Mulkey Pass, covering 12 miles with 2,860 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Muah Mountain?

The Northwest Slope via Mulkey Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 2,860 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

What time should you start hiking Muah Mountain?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Muah Mountain?

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 Muah Mountain 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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