We finally bagged Split Mountain on September 24, 2023, and it was one of the toughest climbs we've done – way harder than Mount Whitney!
Getting to the trailhead required a high-clearance vehicle, but our Acura MDX handled it (with some careful driving). Be warned: the bottom of your car will likely get scratched! We tried both routes mentioned online, and the only viable option is from Crocker Ave in Big Pine.
Don't bother with the "shortcut" from Fish Springs Road – it's a dead end due to a locked gate (as of 2023). Some online info might be outdated, so save yourself the trouble.
The climb from Red Lake to the summit was mostly Class 2, with some gnarly Class 3 sections near Red Lake Pass – that's where things got sketchy. Exposed climbing and endless, tiring miles made for a serious challenge. Wear a helmet, seriously.
Split Mountain Sunrise. This photo was taken at the small lake before Red Lake. The peak on the right tip was the true peak.
Split Mountain Register Box. Finding it is definitely the highlight of the climbing!
Panorama view from the top of Split Mountain
Geography Survey Sign on top of Split Mountain. We saw two.