Mount Tyndall Via Shepherds Pass Trailhead

Mount Tyndall is the 10th highest peak in California, standing at just over 14,025 feet. It is part of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, close to both Mount Whitney (6 miles) and Mount Williamson (1.5 miles). Named after John Tyndall, a 19th century British glaciologist, physicist and pioneering mountain climber, Mt Tyndall is one of the 15 popular California " 14'ers " that climbers and mountaineers frequent. Because of its proximity to the second highest peak, Mt Williamson, hikers often climb Tyndall and Williamson in the same trip, since the ascent of both peaks share access via Shepherds pass (Williamson is part of the Big Horn Sheep Reserve). First climbed by Clarence King and Richard Cotter in 1864, Tyndall is considered a class 3 route and is of medium difficulty to surmount in comparison to the other 14ers (White, Langley, Shasta, Split and Whitney are easier).

Most mountaineers' climb up Tyndall begins at the Shepherd's Pass Trailhead which is located right outside of the town of Independence, 40 miles south of Bishop, along the south-eastern portion of the Sierra Nevadas. Climbers can get wilderness permits at the Mt Whitney Ranger Station for $5 a person.

Most climbers break the trip into 2 days, taking the North Rib route or Northwest Ridge route (the north rib is the easiest), camping at the second lake at Shepherd's Pass. Shepherd's Pass at 12,000 feet is roughly 12 miles from the trailhead at 6,400 feet. From Shepherd's Pass the peak is roughly 1.5 miles away. There are technical clibming routes on the eastern face but most of the non-technical and easier routes are on the western and northern faces. The Northwest Ridge route is roughly 28 miles round trip, with a 9,000 ft elevation gain.  The last few yards up the North Rib route is class 2-3 boulder scrambling.

To get to the Shepherd Pass trailhead (also known as Symms Creek), drive to the town of Independence, 42 miles south of Bishop on Interstate 395.

1) Go West on Market Street towards the Sierra Nevada mountain range

2) Market Street turns into Onion Valley Rd just outside of town

3) At about 4.5 miles turn South (left) onto Foothill Road (this is mainly a dirt road)

4) After another mile (mile 5.5 from Independence) you will hit a fork, turn down the right fork (west). You will see a sign that says, "Shepherd Pass Trailhead"

5) After 2 miles you will hit another fork in the road - again take the right fork

6) You will hit another fork shortly, make a right at the fork again

7) You will hit another fork (at mile 8.5) - and again, follow the right fork

8) A quarter mile down the road you will hit Shepherd Pass Trailhead