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10,048 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Spanish Mountain
Spanish Mountain is a 10,048 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the North Slope via Spanish Lake: 20 mi, 3,890 ft of gain, Class 1.
Spanish Mountain at a glance
- Elevation10,048 ft3,062 m
- RouteNorth Slope via Spanish LakeClass 1
- Distance20 mi3,890 ft gain
- Time12 – 14 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJun – Oct
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the North Slope via Spanish Lake
From Shaver Lake on Highway 168, take Dinkey Creek Road and McKinley Grove Road across Wishon Dam to the Crown Valley trailhead. Bear right toward Statham Meadow, a private inholding, then follow faint tread past Spanish Lake, where downed trees and cow paths make navigation tricky. Past the last lake, climb to the saddle above Geraldine Lakes and take a Class 1 use trail up the north slope to a summit that looks straight down into Kings Canyon. Rancheria and Statham creeks can be hard to cross early in the season. Expect a long forest day; carry a map and bug spray.
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
- Route-finding difficulty
- Stream crossing
- Insects
- Spotty cell reception
Quests with Spanish Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Spanish Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Spanish Mountain?
Spanish Mountain is 10,048 feet (3,062 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to hike Spanish Mountain?
The North Slope via Spanish Lake is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 20 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Spanish Mountain?
Most people take 12 – 14 hours round trip on the North Slope via Spanish Lake, covering 20 miles with 3,890 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike Spanish Mountain?
The North Slope via Spanish Lake needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 20 miles with 3,890 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 Spanish 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 Spanish 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