OverviewIf it could stand on its tip-toes, Mt. Barnard would be California's sixteenth fourteen thousand-foot peak. Instead, at 13,990 feet, it is the closest runner-up. Mt. Barnard is located on the Sierra Crest in a stunningly beautiful area between Wright Lakes and Wallace Basins and is in both Sequoia National Park and the John Muir Wilderness in Inyo National Forest. Yet despite the peak’s height, proximity to the John Muir Trail (JMT), and outstanding setting, Mt. Barnard is climbed infrequently and often overlooked.
This wasn’t always the case. Earlier in the 20th century, Mt. Barnard was a more popular climb because it was originally measured as a 14er. Later, the U.S Geological survey re-measured Mt. Barnard and concluded that its height was “only” 13,990 feet, which of course greatly displeased many climbers.
Mt. Barnard was first climbed on September 25,1892 by John Hunter, William Hunter, and C. Mulholland. Most climbers probably use one of the class 1 “walk-up” routes, which involve some talus and scree slogging. Two class 2 routes have also been established: George Creek and a traverse from Trojan Peak. There are also four technical routes: the Northwest Face (III, 5.8), East Dihedral (III, 5.10a), East Pillar (III, 5.9), and Shaw Spire (III, 5.8). See R.J. Secor, The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails, and John Moynier and Claude Fiddler, Climbing California’s High Sierra, for additional information on routes.Getting ThereMt. Barnard is probably most conveniently accessed as a side trip from the JMT. With that said, the distance from the summit of Mt. Barnard to the nearest trailheads at Whitney Portal and Shepherd Pass requires a 23 or 24-mile hike with climbs over passes exceeding 5,000 feet. It is tough to get to.
Directions to Get to the Junction of the JMT and Wallace Creek:
Whitney Portal: To get to the Whitney Portal, take the Whitney Portal Road west from Lone Pine for 12 miles until the road ends. Hike up the Mount Whitney trail over Trail Crest and pass Guitar Lake and the Crabtree Ranger Station for 15.4 miles until reaching the JMT. Head north on the JMT for 3.3 miles until reaching the north side of Wallace Creek.
Shepherd Pass: to get to Shepherd Pass, drive to Independence. From Independence, head west on Market Street for 4.2 miles. Turn left on Foothill Road, which is a gravel road. After driving on Foothill drive for 2.7 miles, you will pass a sign with a hiker symbol on the right and a “Symmes Creek” sign in the center. Keep left and continue for another 0.5 mile. Then, turn right at the intersection where the sign says “Shepherd Pass Trailhead.” Drive another 1.4 miles along a rough gravel road (but still passable with a low-clearance 2wd vehicle) until reaching the trailhead. From the Shepherd Pass Trailhead, hike up for 11 miles to the top of the pass. Then, hike down another 4.2 miles to the junction with the JMT. Proceed south (left) down the JMT for 4.7 miles until reaching the north side of Wallace Creek.
Directions up Wallace Creek: Beautiful Wallace Basin is an easy four mile hike from the JMT. Despite its proximity to the JMT, it receives few visitors. Wallace Lake in Wallace Basin is below Mt. Barnard’s southern slopes and is a nice place to camp or kill a day. A good use trail follows Wallace Creek from the JMT, starting on the north side of the creek. There are also many other great places to camp along Wallace Creek before reaching Wallace Lake.
George Creek: This eastside approach would be among the shortest--approximately 7 or 8 miles. I have not taken this approach so I cannot describe it. See this trip report of the George Creek route up Mount Carl Heller or see The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails by RJ Secor. This route is subject to Bighorn Sheep closure restrictions.
North Fork of Lone Pine Creek: It is probably also possible to follow the from the Whitney Trail over Russell-Carillon Pass. This would be relatively short--about 7 miles each way--but also mostly cross-country. Red Tape Wilderness permits are required for overnight visits from Inyo National Forest. Permits can be reserved in advance for $5/person, which is recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, because most Inyo National Forest trailheads are subject to use quotas. Overnight Whitney entry permits are notoriously difficult to obtain and should, if possible, be reserved several months in advance. They cost $15/person to reserve. There is no fee for permits if they are not reserved in advance.
The east side of Mt. Barnard is subject to the Mt. Williamson Bighorn Sheep Restrictions, which means that the George Creek approach is off-limits for most of the year. Contact Inyo National Forest at (760) 876-6200 for more information.
Bear canisters are required for overnight visitors entering or exiting on the Whitney Main Trail. Bear canister rules are available online. Canisters can be rented at the ranger station. They can also be purchased for a reasonable price at the Whitney Portal Store in Lone Pine and at the Whitney Portal.
When To ClimbJuly-October is the best time to climb. The George Creek approach is restricted by bighorn sheep closures, limiting its use to April 15 through May 15 and December 15 through January 1 of each year. See the "Red Tape” section.
CampingWallace Basin is a true Sierra gem—remote, high, wild, and very beautiful and has several wonderful meadows, lakes and streams. Although Wallace Basin is only 3 or 4 miles from the JMT, few hikers visit the area. Wright Lakes Basin is also quite nice and can be reached by leaving the JMT at the Bighorn Plateau near the small pond to the west of the JMT and heading east for 1.5 miles until reaching Wright Lakes.
Mountain ConditionsSequoia National Park visitor information: (559) 565-3341
Inyo National Forest visitor information: (760) 876-6200
Updated weather information is also available.
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John Muir Wilderness
