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13,570 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Tunnabora Peak

Tunnabora Peak is a 13,570 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the South Slopes via Russell-Carillon Col: 10 mi, 5,665 ft of gain, Class 2.

Plan this climbView Sierra Peaks Section
Tunnabora Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: John Fowler, CC BY 2.5

Tunnabora Peak at a glance

  • Elevation13,570 ft4,136 m
  • RouteSouth Slopes via Russell-Carillon ColClass 2
  • Distance10 mi5,665 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJul – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the South Slopes via Russell-Carillon Col

From Lone Pine, drive Whitney Portal Road to the Whitney Portal trailhead. Hike the Mount Whitney Trail to the North Fork Lone Pine Creek use trail and follow it past Lower Boy Scout Lake to Clyde Meadow. Climb sand to Russell-Carillon Col, descend the ledges and talus on its north side (Class 2 to 3), pass Tulainyo Lake on the west, and slog up the sandy south slopes to the top. Pair it with Carillon from the same col. Afternoon storms build fast on the crest. A Mt. Whitney Zone permit is required for this approach, day or overnight; apply in the February lottery.

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 altitude
  • Loose rock
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms

Quests with Tunnabora Peak

Peaks near Tunnabora Peak

  1. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 1.1 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 1.9 mi away

  3. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 2.8 mi away

  4. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 3.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Tunnabora Peak?

Tunnabora Peak is 13,570 feet (4,136 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Tunnabora Peak?

The South Slopes via Russell-Carillon Col is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 10 miles with 5,665 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Tunnabora Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the South Slopes via Russell-Carillon Col, covering 10 miles with 5,665 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Tunnabora Peak?

The South Slopes via Russell-Carillon Col needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 10 miles with 5,665 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Tunnabora Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Tunnabora Peak reaches 13,570 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Tunnabora Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Tunnabora Peak?

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 Tunnabora Peak with Yak

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