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- Red Slate Mountain
13,164 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Red Slate Mountain
Red Slate Mountain is a 13,164 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the McGee Pass Route: 21 mi, 4,990 ft of gain, Class 1.
Red Slate Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,164 ft4,012 m
- RouteMcGee Pass RouteClass 1
- Distance21 mi4,990 ft gain
- Time2 daysHard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the McGee Pass Route
From US 395 between Convict Lake and Toms Place, drive McGee Creek Road to the trailhead at its end. Hike the McGee Pass Trail up the canyon past creek crossings and Big McGee Lake to McGee Pass, about 7 miles in. From the pass, a climbers trail switchbacks north up slippery red shale and comes and goes on the way to the summit. It stays Class 1 with a short steep stretch near the top, and the exposed crest to the east is harder. A snowfield below the pass can need traction early in summer. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required overnight.
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
- Snow near summit
- High altitude
- Stream crossing
Quests with Red Slate Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is Red Slate Mountain?
Red Slate Mountain is 13,164 feet (4,012 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Red Slate Mountain?
The McGee Pass Route is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 21 miles with 4,990 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Red Slate Mountain?
Most climbers plan 2 days for the McGee Pass Route, with at least one night on the mountain.
Can a beginner hike Red Slate Mountain?
The McGee Pass Route needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard trip: 21 miles with 4,990 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 Red Slate Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Red Slate Mountain reaches 13,164 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 Slate 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 Slate 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