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- Piute Mountain
10,534 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Piute Mountain
Piute Mountain is a 10,534 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northeast Ridge from Seavey Pass: 37 mi, 5,840 ft of gain, Class 2.
Piute Mountain at a glance
- Elevation10,534 ft3,210 m
- RouteNortheast Ridge from Seavey PassClass 2
- Distance37 mi5,840 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northeast Ridge from Seavey Pass
From Bridgeport, drive Twin Lakes Road to Mono Village at road end, which charges a Mono Village parking fee. Backpack the Robinson Creek trail past Barney and Peeler Lakes and through Kerrick Meadow to Seavey Pass in Yosemite. Leave the trail on the Benson Lake side of the pass, climb the northeast ridge to a ramp into the bowl below the summit and ascend a chute to the summit ridge. The SPS rates it Class 2, but some chute and ridge variations reach Class 3. Most parties climb it with Volunteer and Pettit on a multi-day trip. A Hoover Wilderness permit is required, and bear canisters too.
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
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- Steep exposure
- Insects
- Storms
Quests with Piute Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Piute Mountain?
Piute Mountain is 10,534 feet (3,210 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Piute Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge from Seavey Pass is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 37 miles with 5,840 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Piute Mountain?
Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the Northeast Ridge from Seavey Pass, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Piute Mountain?
The Northeast Ridge from Seavey Pass needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 37 miles with 5,840 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
When is the best time to hike Piute Mountain?
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 Piute 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