Mt. Morrison is one of the more notable mountains in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Sierra Nevada. Its North Face is a spectacular sight when viewed from US395 near the Mammoth airport. The rock in this area is noted for it's superb coloring in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and brown. Mt. Morrison's summit pendant is composed of Dolomite and Marble - basically metamorphosed limestone. The age is Pre-cambrian making it some of the oldest rock in the Sierra

The rock is very loose, and caution must be exercised when climbing it's routes. According to Secor, the north side has earned the nickname, "Eiger of the Sierra."

Mt. Morrison lies east of the Sierra Crest, whose rainshadow prevents the normal precipitation found on Sierra peaks from reaching Mt. Morrison. Consequently the peak is nearly free of snow early in the summer. A few thin lines of snow/ice can be found on the North Face into the summer.

The peak sees a moderate number of visitors relative to other Sierra peaks. The looseness of the rock is the primary detraction, while the impressive front and a short approach are the primary draws.

Getting There

East Slope Route

The Great White Fang

There are no trailheads to Mt. Morrison. The easiest access is from Convict Lake which lies below the north side. Convict Lake can be reached from US395 via the Convict Lake Rd, just south of the Mammoth airport. Convict Lake is a popular recreation lake, primarily for fishing. There is a "resort" there, complete with a restaurant, general store, and bountiful camping.

The closest parking is at the end of the road on the south side of the lake. This parking is for day use only. If backpacking, overnight parking is available a few hundred yards back on the southeast end of the lake.

You can also access the appraoch to the East Slope Route via the the Tobacco Flats 4x4 road. Access is via the Morrison Rd. turn off. Head up a 1/2 mile or so to the Cemetary, turn left at the obvious dirt road just before the gated area of the cemetary and follow it for approx. 4-5 miles through some shepard camps up to the Morrison Creek at the base of "Mono Jim" Pk. Park and follow the obvious deer trails that meandor along the creek up to the "East Slope" route past "Old Man's Gully". Mt. Aggie will be to your left. You will find a series of two to three small but very secluded and pretty lakes. You can also use this access to get up to the base of "The Great White Fang". This road is only accessible during the spring/summer/fall and when snow free.

Red Tape

There are no fees for overnight parking at Convict Lake, and a Wilderness permit is only needed if staying overnight in the John Muir Wilderness that surrounds Mt. Morrison.

Everything you need to know about permits and regulations can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logisitcal Center page.

When To Climb

Climbing can be done any time of year, but usually in April-Oct when the peak is mostly free of snow. Winter is feasible and the "Death Couloir" is a route that some may find appealing. If this suites your fancy, ensure a very early start, 2-3 AM with headlamp, so as to get above the potential and obvious rockfall and snow chute that is located 2/3rds of the way up on the left, prior to the Sun's rays hitting it by 7 AM. This Couloir can be done from it's base to the Summit in 4-6 hours. Recommend that you either descend via the East Slope onto the NE Ridge and return to main bowl or via the West Ridge back to Convict.

Camping

The approach to the East Slope Route and "Old Man's Gully" on the right with the "Great White Fang" in the distance. You can see some patches of Whte Bark's and Juniper's that can afford some shade.

Camping is allowed most places in the John Muir Wilderness. At least half the approach to Mt. Morrison from Convict Lake is outside the Wilderness and part of the Inyo National Forest, and there are no permits needed if camping in the NF. However, the area on the east side of Mt. Morrison (the usual approach) can be dry and hot. Some shade can be found above "Old Man's Gully" at the base of East Ridge Route in some clusters of small White Bark and Juniper's. Water can found during "Wet" seasons in the flowing creek which feeds the series of small lakes and ultimately flows into Convict Lake.

Mountain Conditions

The Mammoth Lakes Visitor Center & Ranger Station can provide the latest information on trail and climbing conditions, and provide free Wilderness permits for overnight stays in the John Muir Wilderness. When driving into the town of Mammoth Lakes, the ranger station is located on the north (right) side of SR203 about half a mile before the intersection with Old Mammoth Road.

Etymology

"Robert Morrison, a member of a posse pursuing escaped convicts, was killed by one of them near Convict Lake on September 24, 1871.

Twenty-nine convicts escaped from prison at Carson City, Nevada, on September 17, 1871. Six of them headed south, and murdered a mail rider from Aurora. Posses from Aurora and Benton caught up to the convicts near 'Monte Diable Creek' -- now Convict Creek. Robert Morrison, a Benton merchant and leader of the posse, was killed in the encounter. The convicts escaped, but three of them were captured a few days later. Two of those were lynched while being returned to the jail at Carson City. (Chalfant, Inyo, 251-55.)"
- Peter Browning, Place Names of the Sierra Nevada

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