Mount Mendel

Mount Mendel is a granite peak standing at roughly 13,710 feet in the Evolution Region of the Sierra Nevada mountains. The summit rises from a landscape of alpine terrain dotted with lakes and surrounded by steep ridges that form the character of this remote location.

The mountain was first climbed on July 15, 1930, when Jules Eichorn, Glen Dawson, and John Olmstead reached its summit. This early ascent marked an important moment in the exploration of alpine peaks during the growth of mountaineering in the region.

The peak is named after Gregor Mendel, the geneticist, as part of a series of summits in the Sierra Nevada dedicated to important figures in evolutionary science. This naming tradition reflects how the region honors scientific discovery and natural philosophy.

Visitors reach the mountain via the Lamarck Col trail starting from the North Lake trailhead, with overnight stays requiring a wilderness permit. The area is exposed and rugged, so visitors should be prepared for rapid weather changes and high-altitude conditions.

The north face features Ice Nine, a technical ice climbing route that stretches more than 1,000 feet up the mountainside. This challenging climb with steep pitches attracts specialized ice climbers from around the world looking to test their skills on high-altitude frozen terrain.