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- White Mountain Peak
14,252 ft · White Mountains, California
White Mountain Peak
White Mountain Peak is a 14,252 ft peak in the White Mountains, California. The standard route is the White Mountain Peak Trail: 15 mi, 3,425 ft of gain, Class 1.
White Mountain Peak at a glance
- Elevation14,252 ft4,344 m
- RouteWhite Mountain Peak TrailClass 1
- Distance15 mi3,425 ft gain
- Time9 – 11 hrsHard effort
- SeasonJul – Oct
- RangeWhite MountainsCalifornia
Climbing the White Mountain Peak Trail
From Bishop, CA, drive up White Mountain Road past the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest to the locked gate at Barcroft (about 11,700 feet). The route follows a closed dirt road roughly 7.5 miles each way, gaining about 2,600 feet - the easiest 14er in California. Despite the gentle grade, altitude and thin, dry air make it a serious day; acclimatize first. A research station sits en route. No permit required. Afternoon thunderstorms and high winds are the main hazards. A long but non-technical walk-up.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (25–35 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Headlamp
Power Bank
Hiking Boots
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Midweight Gloves
Buff
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- High winds
- Storms
- Dry conditions
- Altitude sickness
- Low visibility
- Cold summit conditions
White Mountain Peak on Yak
Climbers have shared 6 climbs of White Mountain Peak on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with White Mountain Peak
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near White Mountain Peak
Frequently asked questions
How tall is White Mountain Peak?
White Mountain Peak is 14,252 feet (4,344 m) tall. It is in the White Mountains, California.
How does White Mountain Peak rank among the California 14ers?
At 14,252 feet, White Mountain Peak is the 3rd highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.
How hard is it to hike White Mountain Peak?
The White Mountain Peak Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 15 miles with 3,425 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike White Mountain Peak?
Most people take 9 – 11 hours round trip on the White Mountain Peak Trail, covering 15 miles with 3,425 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.
Can a beginner hike White Mountain Peak?
The White Mountain Peak Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 15 miles with 3,425 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 White Mountain Peak?
You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and White Mountain Peak reaches 14,252 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 White Mountain Peak?
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 White Mountain Peak?
The usual hiking window is July to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
What is the trailhead elevation for White Mountain Peak?
The White Mountain Peak Trail starts at about 11,690 feet, roughly 2,562 feet below the summit.
Climb White Mountain Peak 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