Overview
Mokelumne Peak rises to 9,332 feet as the highest point in the Mokelumne Wilderness, offering a strenuous 14-mile round trip that is the premier summit experience in the Eldorado National Forest. The peak's volcanic geology distinguishes it from the surrounding Sierra granite: the summit area is composed of andesite and volcanic breccia from ancient eruptions that preceded the formation of the Sierra Nevada in its current form. Located in California's Amador-Alpine county border area, the peak is accessible from the Blue Lakes area south of Hope Valley.
The summit views survey an enormous swath of the Sierra Nevada: Lake Tahoe is visible to the north, the Carson Valley spreads to the east, and the Central Valley haze marks the western horizon on clear winter mornings. The Mokelumne Wilderness below shows its characteristic dual geology, with darker volcanic terrain on the northern slopes and granite on the southern approaches.
The Route
Blue Lakes Trailhead to Wilderness Entry (0 to 2.5 miles)
The trail begins at the Blue Lakes Trailhead and heads toward the wilderness boundary through open lodgepole pine forest. The Blue Lakes are visible to the right in the early miles and provide scenic context for the approach. The trail is well-maintained and the grade is comfortable.
Wilderness Entry to Sub-Alpine Zone (2.5 to 5.0 miles)
Inside the Mokelumne Wilderness the trail climbs more consistently and the forest gives way to scattered whitebark pine and open rocky slopes. The volcanic character of the terrain becomes apparent in the middle mountain, where the trail crosses andesite outcrops. Views extend in multiple directions.
Upper Mountain and Summit Approach (5.0 to 6.5 miles)
The trail becomes less defined on the volcanic upper mountain and requires some route-finding. The summit block is identifiable from the approach, and cairns guide the way on the rockier sections. Wind on the upper mountain is common.
Summit (7.0 miles)
The summit is open and the views are extensive. Lake Tahoe is visible on clear days 30 miles north. The volcanic summit terrain is unlike any point on the surrounding Sierra granite trails. Return via the same route.
When to Hike
July through October provides the most reliable window. Snow typically clears the upper mountain by mid-July. October sees light crowds and excellent clarity, though snow is possible by mid-month.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common from mid-July through August on this exposed summit. Start no later than 7 a.m. to ensure summit time before early afternoon weather.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 3 liters of water for this long summit effort, with Blue Lakes as a filtered source on the approach. Wind layers and sun protection are essential above treeline. Navigation tools (paper map and compass) help on the less-defined upper mountain. Check bear canister requirements for overnight camping in California wilderness areas.
Trailhead Access
Blue Lakes Trailhead is on Blue Lakes Road south of Highway 88 at Hope Valley. The road is paved to the trailhead. No permit or fee required (as of 2026). A vault restroom is present. Space for 25 to 30 vehicles.
Dogs are permitted without leash in the wilderness but must be under voice control.
Nearby
Mokelumne Peak is the summit option for the southern Eldorado. Grouse Lake Trail and Rubicon Trail are in the Crystal Basin area for contrasting northern Eldorado experiences. Emigrant Lake Trail accesses the Mokelumne high country from the south.
Check current conditions and fire restrictions with the USFS guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles on this fragile wilderness summit.