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- San Joaquin Mountain
11,605 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
San Joaquin Mountain
San Joaquin Mountain is an 11,605 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the San Joaquin Ridge: 11 mi, 2,340 ft of gain, Class 1.
Photo: Steve Dunleavy, CC BY 2.0
San Joaquin Mountain at a glance
- Elevation11,605 ft3,537 m
- RouteSan Joaquin RidgeClass 1
- Distance11 mi2,340 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the San Joaquin Ridge
From Mammoth Lakes, drive Minaret Road (CA 203) past the Main Lodge to the Minaret Vista turnoff just before the Reds Meadow entrance station, and park at the vista. Walk north along San Joaquin Ridge on old roads and use trails, passing Deadman Pass and Two Teats, then follow the open crest to the summit. The route is Class 1 on pumice and talus with constant views of the Ritter Range and Minarets. The ridge is fully exposed, with strong wind, no shade and no water, so carry plenty and turn back if thunderheads build. Start early in summer.
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
- High winds
- Storms
- Cold summit conditions
- Dry conditions
Quests with San Joaquin Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionFrequently asked questions
How tall is San Joaquin Mountain?
San Joaquin Mountain is 11,605 feet (3,537 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike San Joaquin Mountain?
The San Joaquin Ridge is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 11 miles with 2,340 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike San Joaquin Mountain?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the San Joaquin Ridge, covering 11 miles with 2,340 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike San Joaquin Mountain?
The San Joaquin Ridge needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 11 miles with 2,340 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 San Joaquin Mountain?
Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.
When is the best time to hike San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin 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