Lilliput Glacier

Lilliput Glacier sits on a north-facing rock wall of Mount Stewart within the Sierra Nevada range, forming one of the smallest ice masses in this mountain system. The glacier occupies a narrow, steep-sided basin that is difficult to spot from standard hiking trails.

This ice mass formed during past ice ages like other glaciers in the Sierra Nevada and was once much larger across the region. It has been shrinking continuously since glaciers retreated in the 20th century.

Scientists regularly study this glacier as part of research initiatives examining climate patterns and environmental changes in the American West.

Reaching this location requires rock climbing skills and specialized mountain gear due to steep exposures and technical terrain. Visitors should check with park authorities before attempting to visit for current access conditions and safety requirements.

This is the smallest named glacier in the Sierra Nevada and the southernmost named glacier in the United States. Its extreme position makes it an important reference point for understanding how ice persists even at lower elevations in America.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 36.58139,-118.55194

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:09