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Elevation: 13,225 ft
GPS: 37.242, -118.653
Google Map · Climbing Area Map
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Shared By: fossana on Jun 7, 2010
Admins: Chris Owen, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes

Description Suggest change

Named in 1873 by John Muir after the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, Mt. Emerson is a frequently overlooked Sierra peak. RJ Secor (The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes & Trails) describes 5 routes that will satisfy both mixed route aficionados and scramblers alike. Additional information on the N Face is available from Moynier & Fiddler in California's High Sierra.

  • W Ridge (Class 3 from Piute Pass)
  • S Slope (Class 3 from 0.25 miles past Loch Leven)
  • SE Face (5.4 chimney, leaving the Piute Pass trail before Loch Leven)
  • SW Ridge (Class 3 from the couloir between Piute Crags and Emerson)
  • N Face (Class 4 mixed route from the cirque between Peak 1)

Getting There Suggest change

For all routes but the N Face:
Passenger cars OK. From central Bishop head W on highway 168 (aka W Line Street) for ~18 miles, passing the S Lake turn-off. Take the right-hand turn onto N Lake Rd. In early the season the road is gated and this will add ~1.7 miles to the trailhead. Unless you are camping at the N Lake campground you will need to park at the large hiker lot and walk the ~0.4 miles to the trailhead. From the campground take the trail toward Piute Pass.

For the N Face:
High clearance required, 4x4 recommended. From central Bishop head W on highway 168 (aka W Line Street) for ~10 miles to Dutch Johns Meadows Road (unmarked) behind an old wilderness kiosk on your right. Head SW the due W along the road, taking a left-hand fork at ~6.2 miles toward the McGee Creek trailhead. Cross country toward the S Fork of McGee Creek. Aim for the cirque between Checkered Demon (Peak 13,112) and Emerson.

2 Total Climbs

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Classic Climbing Routes at Mt. Emerson

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c
 185
Southeast Face (aka the Waterfal…
Trad, Alpine
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Southeast Face (aka the Wat…
 185
5.4 4a 12 IV 10 VD 3c Trad, Alpine
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