Get on a short distance in a clapped-out Sierra (8,5)

I believe the answer is:

mountain chain

'sierra' is the definition.

'get on a short distance in a clapped-out' is the subsidiary indication.
'get on' becomes 'mount' ('mount' can be a synonym of 'get on'**).
'short distance' becomes 'inch' (I've seen this before).
'clapped-out' indicates anagramming the letters.
'in'+'a'='ina'
'ina' anagrammed gives 'ain'.
'mount'+'a'+'inch'+'ain'='mountainchain'

I've seen this clue in The Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.