OverviewMount Julius Caesar (MJC) is located in the John Muir Wilderness, 2 to 3 miles south of better known Mount Mills and Mount Abbot. MJC's remote location (9.5 miles and 6,000' elevation gain from the nearest trailhead), may require an overnight excursion depending on the fitness of the climbers. The easiest route is a class 2 traverse from Italy Pass up the westward facing slope. The summit offers a fantastic view of the Sierra crest with Mt Mills and Mt Abbot to the north, Royce and Merriam Peaks to the south. Glancing through the summit log left behind by the Sierra Club, the peak is visited by about 15 to 20 people each year.
Getting ThereThe base of the mountain is reached by an approach from the Pine Mill Creek trailhead. The Pine Creek trailhead is located off Highway 395. Take the Rovanna Exit and head West toward the Pine Creek Pack station. From Pine Creek trailhead, hike up the trail toward Pine Lake and Honeymoon Lake. Just above Honeymoon lake (6 miles from trailhead) there is a good camping spot and launching point for the second day summit attempt. On the second day, set course for Italy Pass through Granite Park. The trail is well marked for the first mile or two, but you quickly reach Granite Park and the trail all but disappears among the boulders. Continue heading west and Mount Julius Ceasar and Italy Pass will quickly come into view.
Route OverviewOnce at Italy Pass, begin your ascent by walking up the south ridge, favoring the westward facing slope. The climbing is fairly easy among loose rocks and boulders. Note the summit is actually the left most peak, as seen from Italy Pass, and not the south shoulder which is about 200 feet lower and often mistaken as the summit as viewed from Granite Park. As you near the summit (around 13,000 feet) the rocks become noticeably more difficult to negotiate, and will require some extra care. Once on the summit, watch your step as the north facing slope of MJC has a nasty drop of several hundred feet.
Red TapeWilderness permits are required for overnight stays. Cost for permits is $5 per person and can be reserved in advance or picked up the morning of date of entry. The Inyo National Forest Web Site has contact and up to date permit information:
When To ClimbClimbing between June and October(first snow) is the best time. Although some years (like 2003) the snow can be fairly prevelent in late June and early July with many of the lakes in the region still frozen over.
CampingCamping is allowed in the area around the mountain as long as proper permits are obtained.
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John Muir Wilderness
