Climb Mount Sill in the Sierra Nevada

0 ft

Elevation

U.S.

Country

Days

2A

Difficulty

Early May

Start

Late Oct

End

About the Mountain

WHY CLIMB IT?

Any mountain that’s claimed to have the ‘best summit views in the Sierra Nevada’ is worth putting on your climbing radar. Mount Sill (14,153 ft) may not be as high as nearby Mount Whitney, but it has plenty to offer in terms of fun, challenging terrain. Located in the Palisade Range, Mount Sill was first climbed in 1903, making it part of the region’s early mountaineering history. From the top, you can see over half of the +14,000-foot peaks in California, including the highest, Mount Whitney (14,505 ft).

“The peak is known as the best viewpoint in the Sierra with spectacular views in every direction.”

- Leor Pantilat

While there are at least 10 routes up Mount Sill of varying difficulty, the classic route is the Swiss Arete. From the trailhead at Glacier Lodge (7,600 ft), the Swiss Arete route heads along the North Fork Trail through Sam Mack Meadow and on to Moraine Camp (11,400 ft), passing by several beautiful lakes in the process. From there, crampons and an ice axe are required to cross the Palisade Glacier and reach Gayley Camp (11,900 ft), another camping option. The Swiss Arete route is known for its stunning views of the surrounding Palisades, including Starlight Peak (14,206 ft), Polemonium Peak (14,080 ft), Thunderbolt Peak (14,009 ft), North Palisade (14,248 ft), Middle Palisade (14,012 ft), and Split Mountain (14,064 ft).