12,947 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Scylla
Scylla is a 12,947 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Northwest Slope: 32 mi, 8,595 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: Eggbones, CC BY-SA 4.0
Scylla at a glance
- Elevation12,947 ft3,946 m
- RouteNorthwest SlopeClass 3
- Distance32 mi8,595 ft gain
- Time3 – 4 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Northwest Slope
From Bishop, take Highway 168 to the Lake Sabrina trailhead. Follow the Sabrina Basin trail toward Sailor Lake, go cross-country past Echo Lake and over class 3 Echo Col, then take the John Muir Trail to Muir Pass. Leave the trail and cross Nietzsche Col, just west of Mount Solomons, into the Ionian Basin, where the col may carry a cornice. Pass the lakes below the peak and climb the Northwest Slope, an easy class 2 scramble on fair rock. This is one of the most isolated summits in the range. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required; reserve on Recreation.gov up to six months ahead.
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
Helmet
What to watch for
- Remote location
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Cornices
Quests with Scylla
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Scylla
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Scylla?
Scylla is 12,947 feet (3,946 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Scylla?
The Northwest Slope is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 32 miles with 8,595 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Scylla?
Most climbers plan 3 – 4 days for the Northwest Slope, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Scylla dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, rockfall from loose rock and tricky route-finding. Go with an experienced partner, wear a helmet, test holds before you trust them and turn back if the rock is wet or icy.
Do you need a helmet for Scylla?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Northwest Slope, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Scylla?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Scylla reaches 12,947 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 climb Scylla?
The usual climbing window is July to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Scylla 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