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- Table Mountain
13,628 ft · Sierra Nevada, California
Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a 13,628 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Southeast Face, Left Side: 39 mi, 12,520 ft of gain, Class 3.
Photo: F. Webb
Table Mountain at a glance
- Elevation13,628 ft4,153 m
- RouteSoutheast Face, Left SideClass 3
- Distance39 mi12,520 ft gain
- Time3 – 5 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJul – Sep
- RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia
Climbing the Southeast Face, Left Side
From Independence, take Onion Valley Road and Foothill Road to the Symmes Creek trailhead and hike the Shepherd Pass Trail over the pass to Tyndall Creek and the upper Kern basin. Go up Milestone Creek, take its north fork past several lakes, and approach the south side of the flat-topped peak. The standard Class 3 route follows ledges and a ramp on the Southeast Face, squeezing through a tunnel under a chockstone, onto the summit plateau; the high point is at its north end. Mark your exit from the plateau for the descent. Plan four days. An Inyo National Forest wilderness permit is required.
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
- High altitude
- Route-finding difficulty
- Loose rock
- Storms
Quests with Table Mountain
Sierra Peaks SectionPeaks near Table Mountain
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Table Mountain?
Table Mountain is 13,628 feet (4,153 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.
How hard is it to climb Table Mountain?
The Southeast Face, Left Side 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: 39 miles with 12,520 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Table Mountain?
Most climbers plan 3 – 5 days for the Southeast Face, Left Side, with at least one night on the mountain.
Is Table Mountain dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: rockfall from loose rock, fast-changing weather 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 Table Mountain?
It is a good idea. Loose rock and rockfall are common on the Southeast Face, Left Side, so a helmet is on the gear list.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Table Mountain?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Table Mountain reaches 13,628 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 Table Mountain?
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 Table 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