Overview
Mt. Hilgard is a "Striking mass, strongly suggesting Castle Peak in Tuolumne County." ~Theodore S. Solomons, 1896. It is the second tallest peak along the Mono Divide with its neighbor, Mt. Gabb, about 400 feet taller. This peak is a popular companion with Mt. Gabb for many peakbaggers, as they are both SPS peaks, and are feasible to summit in the same day.
Mt. Hilgard was first climbed by Charles F. Urquhart in July 1905. It appears that the name was originally given to the mountain shown on the U.S.G.S. map (edition of 1912) as Recess Peak, but was changed to Mt. Hilgard at the suggestion of an admiring pupil in honor of Eugene Woldemar Hilgard who taught for the University of California.
The easiest route is the South Slope , class 2, which is reached from the Lake Italy Outlet. The East Face is approached from the east ridge and is also a class 2 route. The Northeast Ridge is rated class 3-4 by Secor, and is accessed by the second Mono Recess. A traverse to Mt. Gabb is accomplished by descending the southeastern side of Mt. Hilgard to some benches around 11,800ft. and continuing east up the southern side of Mt. Gabb.
Getting There
Mt. Hilgard is long as a day-hike, or short as a multi-day trip. The quickest access to its base is ~8 miles via Little Lakes Valley.
This approach is accomplished by starting at the Mosquito Flats Trailhead, ascending Cox Col, hiking down along the north side of Lake Italy almost to the outlet of the Lake.
Another approach to Mt. Hilgard is from Mono Creek via the Second Recess, coming up from Lake Thomas Edison on the west side or from the east side in a more backpacker friendly manner via Mono Pass.
Yet another approach that seems to get used a lot is via Pine Creek TH and Italy Pass. This is a class 2 route all the way which avoids the harder class 3 of Cox Col. It has a lower starting elevation, so it is probably not faster, but more backpacker-friendly.
Red Tape
Permits are required, year-round, for all overnight trips into the John Muir Wilderness, but no permit is required for day hikes. For permit reservation and trailhead quota information, check out the Inyo National Forest.
Just about all the other info you could need for permits, rules, and conditions (if the rangers are properly informed that day) can be found on the Eastern Sierra - Logistical Center page.
When To Climb
Mt. Hilgard is most frequently climbed between June and October when the roads to trailheads, (Rock Creek on the east side and Thomas Edison on the west side) are open.
Camping
Mt. Hilgard in the John Muir Wilderness. Overnight camping is permitted throughout the region with backcountry permits. There are many nice sites all along Lake Italy. There are also sites in Little Lakes Valley such as those around Dade Lake, Treasure Lakes, and Gem Lakes. The Little Lakes Valley sites seem to be more popular as they are closer to the Mosquito Flats Trailhead.
Rock Creek Camping
Images
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John Muir Wilderness
