Monumental Questions - What is the moutain with snow on it right now?

Nate Lillge • February 13, 2023

Tuleyome spokes-bear, Essa, on Snow Mountain

Recently, I have been asked many times: “What is that mountain with all snow on it? The one over there.” This is accompanied by a wave of at least one hand to the Coast Ranges.


This is Snow Mountain – the northern “anchor” of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument.


Snow Mountain has two peaks – East and West. Snow Mountain East has an elevation of 7,056 ft, Snow Mountain West is 7,043, about a half mile to the southwest. Snow Mountain East is on the border of Colusa and Lake counties and is the highest point in each.


The geologic history of Snow Mountain is quite fascinating. The mountain started life under water, deep in the Pacific Ocean. This seamount traveled with the oceanic plate and was buried up to 30 kilometers below the continental edge before rising again to the surface. There are 140 million year old, submarine volcanic rocks on the mountain that look as if they were laid down a few years ago!


Hikers can access the peak via the Summit Springs Trailhead in Snow Mountain Wilderness. The wilderness area was burned in the Ranch Fire (Mendocino Complex) in 2018 and the August Complex Fire in 2020. These fires impacted the area and, in some locations, made the trail impossible to find. For those wanting to summit Snow Mountain, be sure to have an accurate map and GPS system.


After explaining what make Snow Mountain unique, I then highlight the two other peaks that (as of writing) also have snow on them – Goat Mountain (6,121 ft) to the south and St John Mountain (6,746 ft) to the north.


-Nate Lillge (nlillge@tuleyome.org)


Tuleyome Adventures and Engagement Director


Certified California Naturalist

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