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11,949 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Vandever Mountain

Vandever Mountain is an 11,949 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Farewell Gap Trail and East Slope: 13 mi, 4,085 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Vandever Mountain in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Tom Hilton, CC BY 2.0

Vandever Mountain at a glance

  • Elevation11,949 ft3,642 m
  • RouteFarewell Gap Trail and East SlopeClass 1
  • Distance13 mi4,085 ft gain
  • Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Farewell Gap Trail and East Slope

From Three Rivers on CA 198, drive the narrow, winding Mineral King Road about 25 miles to its end; it opens late May to October and has construction delays through 2027. Park at the Eagle and Mosquito lot, cross the river to the pack station, and climb the Farewell Gap Trail's long switchbacks to the gap. Leave the trail and walk the broad scree and talus ridge west to the summit (Class 1 to 2). Wind is fierce at the gap. Wrap your car in a tarp against marmots before August, and start early for afternoon storms.

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
  • Loose rock
  • High altitude
  • Storms

Quests with Vandever Mountain

Peaks near Vandever Mountain

  1. Mount Muir

    Mount Muir

    14,018 ft · 19.8 mi away

  2. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 20.3 mi away

  3. Mount Langley

    Mount Langley

    14,032 ft · 20.9 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 20.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Vandever Mountain?

Vandever Mountain is 11,949 feet (3,642 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Vandever Mountain?

The Farewell Gap Trail and East Slope is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 13 miles with 4,085 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Vandever Mountain?

Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the Farewell Gap Trail and East Slope, covering 13 miles with 4,085 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Vandever Mountain?

The Farewell Gap Trail and East Slope needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 13 miles with 4,085 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 Vandever Mountain?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 9 – 11 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Vandever Mountain?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Vandever 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

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