Mount Newcomb

Overview

Mount Newcomb is located at the head of the Miter Basin in Sequoia National Park. The peak is seldom climbed, but offers spectacular views in all directions, particularly of the Mount Whitney massif to the North and Miter Basin to the Southeast.

Getting There

From Horseshoe Meadow, hike over Cottonwood Pass or New Army Pass. From there, there are two options: to gain the Perrin Creek drainage or Miter Basin. The former gives access to the easy Southwest slope route, while the latter affords access to the ridge separating Mount Newcomb from Crabtree Pass. Mount Newcomb can also be climbed by traversing from Mount Pickering or from Mount Chamberlin.

Routes

From Perrin Creek:

• Southwest slope, class 1-2. Just head up from the uppermost lake in the Perrin Creek drainage. Stay left in the initial gully for easier terrain.
• Traverse from Mount Chamberlin: class 2 (by dropping 1,000 feet on the South slope of Chamberlin) or class 3 (by staying on the ridge proper). 

From Miter Basin:

• Northeast Ridge from Crabtree Pass (class 3). The full ridge can be bypassed by angling up some class 2-3 rock from Lake WL 3697, to a prominent notch.
• Traverse from Mount Pickering (class 3). 

Red Tape

Wilderness permits are required for any overnight stays in Inyo National Forest or Sequoia National Park. Consult recreation.gov.

When to Climb

Anytime, but Spring to Fall are easier. Perrin Creek can run dry as early as mid-June in low snow years.

Camping

Excellent camping options exist everywhere along the way to Mount Newcomb, though water can be an issue low in the Perrin Creek drainage.

External Links

Bob Burd's Mount Newcomb trip report.

Mount Newcomb at Peakbagger.com.

Romain Wacziarg's June 2020 Miter Basin trip report.