Mount Morgan South

There are two Mount Morgans in the Sierra Nevada, and are only 8 miles apart from each other. They both are located between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop. Mount Morgan South is about 600 feet higher, at 13,748 feet while Mount Morgan North is at 13,001 feet. The easiest route to the summit of Morgan South starts at the Tamarack Lakes Trailhead, heads toward Francis Lakes, and then to the obvious ridge to the peak. This hike can be done in a day but in the winter it can be a pretty long day. The trailhead is by Rock Creek Lake and easy to follow. After some increase in elevation, there will be a junction with a sign toward Francis Lake. The well-maintained trail ends at Francis Lake. From there, there are multiple ways to ascend the ridge. The easiest is up to the climber's right of the lake. The turn can be a bit hard to find but in the summer it is pretty well travelled. To gain the ridge the route is pretty sandy. Once you're on the ridge, it flattens out a bit until you get to the base of the Northwest Ridge, at around 12,000 feet. The ridge is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the first view of Little Lake Valley. From here, it's pretty much boulder hopping to the false summit. If you pick the route right, you can keep the climb to an easy Class 2. After reaching the plateau at around 13,000 feet, the summit is finally in sight. From here, it's more boulder hopping to the summit. At the summit you'll see Mount Abbot, Mount Dade, Bear Creek Spire, Mount Star and the whole side of Little Lake Valley. To return, follow the same way back toward the trailhead. You can enjoy a different route down to Francis Lake by traversing the east ridge.