What John Muir called "the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain ranges" still holds the same allure and beauty in the eyes of many modern climbers, whether they are drawn to ascents on pure rock, snow, or ice, or those media in combination. The potential for climbing in the area is great, and the American Alpine Institute offers a full range of programs and guided ascents encompassing that remarkable Sierra diversity.

High on Mt. Whitney. Seth Hobby

You may wish to consider preceding your guided ascents with two or more days of skills review. Every year many climbers return to the snow and rock of the Sierra or the rock cragging routes in Joshua Tree and Red Rock, to tune up their skills before tackling their high mountain goals. Any four to six day (or longer) itinerary can easily incorporate such a skills refresher. Please call or e-mail us to set up a climb or design an itinerary.

It's also easy to arrange a trip for a group of friends (a series of climbs, a skills course, or a trip that combines skills development or review with exciting ascents). And if you are coming on your own but would like to climb with others, you can request that we match you with other climbers of similar background and interest. Fees are based on the ratio of climbers to guide.

If you are interested in a first-hand account of a guided trip in the Sierras, read this trip report: Grand Tour of the Eastern Sierra.

Climbing routes are separated into the following categories:

• Level 1: Non-technical Ascents
• Level 2: Moderate Ascents
• Level 3: Intermediate Ascents
• Level 4: Difficult Ascents
• Level 5: Very Difficult Ascents

Each technical level has a maximum climber to guide ratio, but you are free to choose a lower ratio or to climb privately if you prefer.

Alpine Rock Climbing and Mountaineering: April - October
Winter Ascents and Ski Touring: December - May

Mount Whitney, Mountaineers Route - Rock & Snow, 3-4 days

Although the Mountaineers Route is one of the least technical routes within the complex Whitney massif, at 14,494 feet it offers climbers the challenge of both altitude and endurance. Using the same high camp the East Face routes, we begin our climb from the picturesque Iceberg Lake, surrounded by peaks over 14,000 feet. Initially our route takes us over moderate snow & ice early season, 3rd class rock in the later of the season. Following the long classic couloir of the Mountaineers Route make a traverse with moderate exposure and wonderful views of nearby Mt. Russell as we climb to the summit of the highest peak the lower 48 states. See the Mount Whitney webpage.

Mount Russell, East Ridge - Rock, 2 days

Mount Russell is located in close proximity to Mount Whitney and the Lone Pine area. A moderate approach leads us along the north fork of Lone Pine Creek to the Upper Boy Scout Lake. From here we ascend talus slopes to a saddle between Mount Russell and Mount Carillon. The East Ridge leads to the summit from this col and climbing on this ridge consists of moderately exposed scrambling and climbing.

Mt. Dana, Dana Couloir - Snow & Ice 1-2 Days

Mt. Dana is located south of Tioga Pass and borders Tuolumne Meadows on the eastern side of Yosemite National Park. The approach leads us up through spectacular Glacier Canyon towards the upper Dana Meadows, eventually arriving at alpine Dana Lake where impressive views of Mt. Dana and its glacier are reflected. After crossing the Dana Glacier, we ascend the 1,200-foot Dana Couloir, consisting of 40-degree snow (and sometimes ice). We top the couloir at 12,400 feet and then gain the southeast ridge, along which class 3 and 4 terrain takes us to the classic summit of this 13,053-foot mountain.

Middle Palisade, Northeast Face -Rock, Snow & Ice, 2-3 days

John Moynier

Located in the heart of the Palisade region, the Northeast Face of middle Palisade lacks the technical difficulty of many neighboring routes in the area. This route makes a great choice as a first route for an extended trip to the area. After crossing and ascending the Middle Palisade glacier climbers encounter a series of ledges that traverse an airy face eventually leading to a gully and groove system that provides enjoyable scrambling. A short steep blocky section is the last of the difficulties before reaching the top of the peak where one can survey the entire Palisade region including Mounts Sill and Winchell and Temple Crag to name a few.

Bear Creek Spire, Northeast Ridge - Rock, Ice & Snow, 2-3 days

Bear Creek Spire at dawn. Richard Steele

Bear Creek Spire sits at the head of the Rock Creek Cirque and above the tiny Dade lake. The approach trail winds through classic sierra high country passing lakes and meadows before crossing talus and slabs to the base of the spires north side. The Northeast Ridge rises dramatically between the North Arete and the East Arete, two other fine routes on an impressive mountain. Climbing on the ridge consists of 4th class scrambling on or near the crest of the ridge and surmounting typical ridge climbing obstacles.

Note: This route can be combined with others in the Rock Creek area for a 4-7 day climbing trip.

Mount Sill, Swiss Arete - Rock, 3-4 days

Beautiful Mount Sill. The Swiss Arete descends dramatically down and right from the summit. John Moynier

Mt. Sill is one of the Sierra giants, and it rises to its imposing 14,153 foot summit in the heart of the Palisades, one of the most spectacular alpine cirques in North America.The Swiss Arete is a route much admired for its purity of line, spectacular location, and quality of rock. The route begins with several pitches in the 5.4 to 5.5 range, then as the exposure increases, it eases off into 4th class pitches with moderate 5th class moves interspersed. It has a classic finish around several blocks that lead to the summit, and from there we gain expansive views of the highest peaks in the Sierra and strikingly different landscapes to the east and west. Considered a very fun climb and photogenic throughout.

Mount Gilbert, Northwest Couloir - Snow & Ice, 2-3 days

We take the Bishop Pass and Treasure Lakes trails to near the first Treasure lake. After ascending slabs and crossing a small ridge our routes takes us across the Gilbert Glacier and to the base of the couloir. After crossing the sometimes problematic bergschrund, several pitches of sustained ice climbing lead to a notch just below the summit. Class 4 climbing leads to the top.

Note: This route can be combined with a route on Mt. Thompson in a 4-5 days trip.

Lone Pine Peak, North Ridge -Rock, 2-3 days

On the North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak. Michael Powers

Our ascent of this route begins at the Whitney Portal and skirts the scenic Lower Meysan Lake en route to the hidden approach gully. From the top of the gully 3rd and 4th class traversing and scrambling on the ever narrowing crest of the ridge leads to first of 3 prominent steps on the ridge. The first step consists of several pitches of easy class 5 terrain and leads to a notch and the start of the 2nd step. From the notch several more pitches on gradually easing yet exposed and exhilarating terrain lead to the summit.

Cardinal Pinnacle, Regular Route - Rock, 1 day

Cardinal Pinnacle. Dylan Taylor

Cardinal Pinnacle is located a short distance from Aspendel and the Cardinal Village Resort and it has a pleasantly short approach. The Pinnacle is granitic in nature and it is host to a number of fine crack and face climbs. Our route is the Regular Route which is rated 5.6 and is 4-6 pitches long. The climbs begins with a few lower angle pitches with intermittent difficulties and eventually leads to the main feature on the route, a large corner/tower which is topped by a chockstone. The descent is a straightforward hike down a gully and back to the starting point.

Crystal Crag -Rock, 1 day

Moving over complex terrain on Crystal Crag. Michael Powers

Crystal Crag sits above the town of Mammoth Lakes and it is named for its high concentration of quartz mineral. Climbs on Crystal Crag can provide someone who has done a little rock climbing at a low standard, a great introduction to the joys of Sierra climbing. Our route follows natural features and leads through the band of quartz that the crag is named after. The climbs finale is up a narrow ridge to the summit.

Mount Haekel, Northwest Arete -Rock, 2-3 days

Mount Haekel has been referred to as somewhat Gothic in nature. This is due to its darker rock and sharply pointed twin summits. Most of the climbing on the Northwest Arete is moderate the exposure is terrific in spots. While on the arete the climber will traverse knife edge ridges and have to deal with several gendarmes en route to the summit.

Mount Whitney, East Face - Rock, 2-3 days

East Face of Mount Whitney. Robert Parker

Mt. Whitney is the highest summit in the lower 48 states and, with its immense East Face, one of the most awe-inspiring peaks in America. In addition to altitude, it offers outstanding granite, remarkable views, and a very photogenic line of ascent. Our approach to high camp at Iceberg Lake takes us into the beautiful high cirque of the complex Whitney massif. The route features excellent rock on solid moves to 5.6 and significant exposure. We begin with enjoyable and quite varied face and crack climbing on the "Washboard", higher up we complete the aptly named "Fresh-Air Traverse," and later end with the 4th and 5th class "Grand Staircase" to the dramatic summit. Although awesome and seemingly forbidding from its base, intermediate rock climbers will find this route to be a suitable challenge and a truly rewarding climb both technically and aesthetically. This ascent can be combined with some practice climbing and ascents of other classic routes in the Sierra such as Bear Creek Spire, Lone Pine Peak, and Mt. Russell. See the Mount Whitney webpage.

North Peak, Northeast Couloir - Rock, Ice & Snow, 2 days

Climber on approach to the base of the North Couloir of North Peak. Zac Merriman

North Peak sits in the high country near Tioga pass and the Tuolumne Meadows area and is in close proximity next to another peak with several classic routes on it, Mt. Conness. Our approach route takes us through scenic alpine meadows and eventually to the talus and snow slopes leading to the Northeast Couloir. The climb itself consists of 600 feet of snow and ice climbing which ends 4th class scrambling to reach the true summit.

Polemonium Peak, V-Notch Couloir -Rock, Snow & Ice, 3-5 days

Rope teams using two-tool technique as they near the exit of the V-Notch Couloir. Michael Powers

North Palisade, U-Notch Couloir - Rock, Snow & Ice, 3-5 days

Palisade Glacier with V and U Notches. John Moynier

Standing high above the Palisade Glacier, the largest in the Sierra, Polemonium and North Palisade feature two of the best summer ice climbs south of the Cascades. Easily accessible from the same high camp at the foot of the glacier, the V-Notch and U-Notch couloirs rise a full 1000 feet from their bases. On the V-Notch we follow a very steep bergschrund crossing with 40-degree ice that steepens to 50 degrees at the top. From there we reach the summit of Polemonium by an enjoyable fourth-class scramble. The U-Notch features consistent 40-degree ice to a notch from which we climb two mid-fifth class pitches on excellent granite to reach the crest of the South Ridge which we follow to the summit. One climb can be completed in two days or both of theses highly sought after ascents can be made on a three-day trip.

Temple Crag, Sun Ribbon Arete - Rock, 3 days

Tyrolean traverse on Temple Crag. Coley Gentzel

The Sun Ribbon Arete is one of several stunning routes on Temple Crag. The arete is a long route, consisting of some 18+ pitches and is fairly sustained in the mid to upper fifth class range. Climbing is mostly on the arete and calls upon the climber to employ delicate face climbing, crack climbing, jamming, laybacking and friction techniques. One of the more interesting features on the route is a notch in the ridge which requires either a rappel and climb out or lasso and tyrolean traverse to pass. On the upper portion of the climb it is possible to escape into a class 4 gully if so desired.

Bear Creek Spire, North Arete - Rock & Snow, 2-3 days

Located at the head a valley in a wilderness less frequented than most California climbing areas, this classic route on the 13,720 foot Bear Creek Spire consists of twelve pitches ranging from low 5th class climbing to enjoyable 5.8 moves The North Arete of Bear Creek Spire offers climbers the opportunity to experience a route with significant exposure, moderate climbing difficulty, and excellent protection. There is a total of about 20 feet of 5.8 climbing, and 2 pitches of 5.7 on this climb, with the remainder of the climbing in the low 5th class range The views encountered while climbing this long arete are spectacular and the climbing itself quite varied, requiring the application of skills for crack, corner, and chimney climbing.

Mount Whitney, East Buttress, Rock, 3-4 days

The East Buttress in one of a number of quality routes on the east side of Mount Whitney and is a more direct line of ascent when compared to the East Face. On this route climbers will encounter several interesting features which include 2 towers and a pillar higher on the route. Climbing is relatively moderate throughout with the hardest pitches being encountered low on the route with a few 5.7-5.8 pitches.See the Mount Whitney webpage.

Mount Mendel, Right Hand Couloir - Snow & Ice, 3 days

Mount Mendel is home to several classic lines but it is most well know for its twin couloirs which split its steep north face. The right hand couloir is the easier of the two, consisting of a bergschrund crossing and sustained 60+ degree ice climbing which can vary from firm snow to water ice depending on conditions. The crux of the route is a bulge low in the couloir and the climbs ends with a pitch of class 4-5 rock.

Mount Russell, Fishhook Arete - Rock, 3 days

The Fishhook Arete on Mt. Russell. Coley Gentzel

One of Mount Whitney's satellite peaks, Mount Russell stands at 14,086 feet. The Fishhook Arete is considered the best route on this peak and by some, one of the best routes in the range. Only one pitch is 5.9, mixed in with mostly 5.7-5.8 climbing in a spectacular position.

Split Mountain, Northeast Couloir - Snow & Ice, 3 days

Split Mountain is among the fourteen thousand foot peaks of the Sierra and is known for its long difficult routes. Length of approach and nature of the routes are all factors which contribute to this mountain's formidable reputation. The northeast couloir is the longest snow and ice climb in the Sierra and is quite complex in nature. To enter the gully you must surmount a short but steep pitch of ice which leads to the main gully and easier climbing above. Midway up the route the next difficulty is encountered, a cliff band which presents two options for passage, a snow choked chimney or often times a 70-foot pitch of 65+ degree ice. From the top of the gully a short class 4 pitch will put you on the summit.

Mount Mendel, Left Hand Couloir - Snow & Ice, 3 days

The left hand route on Mount Mendel is considered by many to be the most technical ice climb in the Sierra. It's fearsome reputation is the product of several thwarted attempts by experienced parties. The condition and difficulty of this climb is very conditional and changes from day-to-day and year-to-year. The crux of the route is passing a chockstone via steep ice and possibly mixed climbing and continuing via more steep ground to the summit.

The Minaret Traverse
The Palisade Traverse
The Evolution Traverse
The Rock Creek Traverse

Inclusions:

• guide fees
• all group technical climbing equipment
• permit and access fees

Exclusions:

• personal equipment such as clothing, boots, personal climbing gear (e.g. harness, helmet), sleeping bag, tent, etc. Personal climbing and camping gear is available for rent at a nominal charge.
• transportation to the program's meeting location and during the program. We ask that you provide transportation for your guide from the point of rendezvous, and if there are other climbers in your program we encourage you to carpool.
• lodging costs (if any)
• meals and food during the course
• fees for changing air itineraries because of canceled or delayed programs
• gratuities to guides
• personal health, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance