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- Red and White Mountain
12,829 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Red and White Mountain
Red and White Mountain is a 12,829 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Face: 16 mi, 5,480 ft of gain, Class 2.
Red and White Mountain at a glance
- Elevation12,829 ft3,910 m
- RouteSoutheast FaceClass 2
- Distance16 mi5,480 ft gain
- Time11 – 13 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Face
From US 395 between Convict Lake and Toms Place, drive McGee Creek Road to the trailhead at its end. Hike the hot, open McGee Pass Trail past a creek crossing to Big McGee Lake. Above its north end, drop a little and climb a use trail up red talus to the cirque southeast of the lake. Either broad chute on the southeast face reaches the saddle northeast of the dark summit rocks, and short ledges lead to the top. The SPS rates it Class 2, though some find the final ledges Class 3. The rock is notably loose, so wear a helmet and keep spacing.
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
- Loose rock
- Rockfall
- Stream crossing
- High altitude
Quests with Red and White Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Red and White Mountain?
Red and White Mountain is 12,829 feet (3,910 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Red and White Mountain?
The Southeast Face is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 16 miles with 5,480 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Red and White Mountain?
Most people take 11 – 13 hours round trip on the Southeast Face, covering 16 miles with 5,480 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Red and White Mountain?
The Southeast Face needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 16 miles with 5,480 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.
Will you get altitude sickness on Red and White Mountain?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Red and White Mountain reaches 12,829 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 Red and White 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 Red and White 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