Ready to explore Mount Emerson, California? Here's everything you need to know before you go!
Discover the trail
Oh no! We don't have any photos 😢
This trail hasn't been captured yet. Be the first to share your adventure!Trail description
Désolé, nous n'avons pas de description pour cet endroit.
Soyez le premier à partager plus d'informations sur cet endroit.
Soyez le premier à partager plus d'informations sur cet endroit.
Recommended gear for this trail
LGPO Pick
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Ready to go?
Everything you need to know before you goWhen?
Opening hours
No information
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading
How much?
Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
- Hiking shoes Essential
- → Salomon Elixir Tour Mid WP · 203.38 $
- Layered clothing Essential
- Rain jacket Essential
- Trekking poles
- → Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork · 69.99 $
- Headlamp
- → Petzl Actik Core 625 · 103.95 $
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
37.242587, -118.654303
Center
Not available
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know4025.00 M
No
No
The elevation gain is 4,300 feet (1,311 meters) over 9.2 miles (14.8 km), with a summit elevation of 13,236 feet (4,035 meters).
Plan for approximately 10 hours total for the round trip, though this varies based on experience level and conditions.
The waterfall route is the classic approach to Mount Emerson near Bishop. It is a renowned scramble and run that has been featured in mountaineering literature and is contested for speed records.
Water sources are seasonal and depend on snowmelt. Do not rely on water higher on the mountain; carry what you need for the entire ascent.
Summer is the primary season, though snow may be present early in the season, requiring an ice axe and crampons. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms common in the Sierra during summer.
You need advanced route-finding skills in off-trail alpine terrain, scrambling experience with Class 3 exposure, ability to navigate with map and compass/GPS, and good judgment in alpine weather.
Didn't find your answer?
Free
1 pages
The Essential Hiking Checklist
Everything you need for your next hike. Bilingual, printable, 1 page.
Download the free checklistSimilar hikes nearby
Discover other trails you might enjoy
Mount Hopkins, California
Sierra Nevada
24 km
12h15
3750 M
Expert
4.0
(1)
Mount Ingalls, California
Sierra Nevada
14.5 km
8h30
2552 M
Advanced
4.0
(9)
Mount Lyell, California
Sierra Nevada
32 km
14h30
2494 m
Expert
4.0
(6)
Bloody Mountain, California
Sierra Nevada
19.3 km
9-10h30
1532 m
Advanced
4.0
(4)
Vernal and Nevada Falls (The Mist) Trail
Sierra Nevada
5 KM
1h45
231 m
Intermediate
3.7
(6)
Chinese Peak, California
Sierra Nevada
24 km
10h30
2653 M
Advanced
3.0
(5)
Top 10 best hiking in Sierra Nevada
Our ranking based on hiker reviews
Hiking near Victoria
93 trails to explore ~1300 km away
Did you spot an error?
We work hard to provide the most up-to-date and error-free data possible. If something seems incorrect, let us know! Your contribution helps the whole community.
Hikers' opinions
Be the first to review!
No hiker has shared their experience yet. Share your impressions and help other hikers!