Eastern Sierra Alpine & Mountaineering
Full or multi day rock climbing, alpine climbing and mountaineering trips in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountain range, also known as the Range of Light. Whether you’re new to climbing or an alpine aficionado, we’ve got something for everyone. All Golden State Guiding Guides are professionally trained by the American Mountain Guides Association and have the credibility, experience and knowledge to guide you in this vast alpine arena compiled of 14,000' spires, lichen streaked granite and endless splitters. We take pride in having one of the best Guide teams out there and consider our team family, you’ll see why after a day or two out with us. Check out our list of classic alpine routes below, guaranteed to turn any day out in the mountains into memories that will last a lifetime. If you don't see a route below you have in mind, email us and we'll gladly do our best to accommodate your alpine climbing and mountaineering desires.
GUIDED EASTERN SIERRA CLIMBING INFO
The below rates include a rental harness, helmet and climbing shoes if needed
Mountaineering ice axe and crampons may be rented for an additional charge of $20 per item
LOCATION: Eastern Sierra, CA
PRIVATE OUTING LENGTH: HALF DAY (6 HOURS), FULL DAY (8 HOURS)
HALF DAY & FULL DAY EASTERN SIERRA CLIMBING
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One Person $515
Two People $325
Three People $265
Four People $215
Five People $185
Six People $160
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One Person $350
Two People $225
Three People $175
Four People $150
Five People $130
Six People $120
BIG & MULTI DAY EASTERN SIERRA CLIMBING
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One Person $620
Two People $450
Three People $350
Four People $275
Five People $225
Six People $200
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One Person per day $525
Two People per day $370
Three People per day $290
Four People per day $260
Five People per day $260
Six People per day $260
EASTERN SIERRA ALPINE & MOUNTAINEERING CLASSICS
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SOUTHEAST FACE, MT. EMERSON // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad, 5.4, Grade III // Elevation: 13,225' // Trip Length 1-2 days
The perfect beginner route for the budding alpine climber, Mount Emerson's South East Face, also known as the Waterfall route, comes in at a modest 5.4, Grade III. Most of the technical climbing is done right off the deck for the first 2-3 pitches, followed by a class 3/4 gully scramble on immaculate granite for a lung inducing 1500'. Once you gain the ridge proper you're forced to navigate towering gendarmes and negotiate a knife edge traverse, eventually landing you on the summit. With a short approach and relatively low technical climbing grade this route is quite popular with many climbers and is typically done in a single day.
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TEMPLE CRAG // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad, 5.7 - 5.10c, Grade IV - V // Elevation: 12,999' // Trip Length 2-3 days
Truly a formation in a league of it's own, Temple Crag is considered by many to contain some of the best alpine climbing in the Sierra, playing host to a variety of iconic routes in the Palisade rage and beyond. The Palisade Range contains the southern most glaciers in the continental US which makes the approach to Temple Crag unforgettable with it's emerald green First, Second and Third Lakes. Temple Crag has multiple routes to choose from, beginning with the 3 star classics, Venusian Blind (5.7, Grade IV, 13 pitches), Moon Goddess Aret (5.8, Grade IV, 18 pitches), followed by the 4 star must-do's Sun Ribbon Aret (5.10a, Grade IV, 22 pitches) and the infamous Dark Star (5.10c, Grade V, 16 pitches). The Palisades have some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in all the Sierra. That, doubled with it's relatively moderate approach makes this an incredibly popular area for recreational climbers. Any Temple Crag climb is considered a 2 day trip due to the length of the routes. We recommend any route on Temple Crag for the intermediate to experienced alpine climber looking to take their skills to the next level.
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CRYSTAL CRAG // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad & Sport, Low 5th - 5.11a, Grade II // Elevation: 10,100' // Trip Length Single Day
Crystal Crag is the go-to destination for anyone looking to get out into the alpine for a single day. Conveniently located in the Mammoth Lakes Basin area above Lake George, Crystal Crag plays host to numerous climbing styles. From the moderate 4 pitch classics on the North Aret to endurance sport routes on the North East, Highlands Wall, Crystal Crag has something for everyone. The views afforded by the approach to Crystal Crag are well worth the steep hike after you leave the parking lot from Lake George providing stunning views of the entire Mammoth Lakes Basin area. We recommend this crag for any climber looking for a fun day out either placing gear at a moderate level on the North Aret routes or going for some high elevation sport climbing!
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SWISS ARETE, MT. SILL // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad, 5.7, Grade II // Elevation: 14,162' // Trip Length 2-3 days
A striking formation, Mt. Sill dominates the skyline from HWY 395 as you enter into the town of Big Pine. Standing tall at 14,162 feet, Mt Sill is one of fifteen 14 er's in California and is located in the awe inspiring Palisade Range. On the summit proper, Mt. Sill offers some of the most spectacular views in the entire Eastern Sierra spanning east across the Owen's Valley to the White Mountains and to the west with views of Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Coming in at 5.7, Grade II, Mt. Sill's Swiss Arete is mostly class 3/4 mixed in with the occasional 5th class move or higher. The crux of the route comes at an impasse where you are forced to turn a blind corner and connect a crack system for a few 5.7 moves. A climb that will surely not be forgotten, Mt. Sill, or better known by the Paiute Indians as Nee-na-mee-shee, meaning Guardian of the Valley, is sure to leave an impression on anyone who climbs this beautiful peak. Another great classic moderate in the Sierra, most parties typically do this route in 3 days due to the length of the approach.
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NORTH RIDGE, LONE PINE PEAK // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad, 5.6, Grade III // Elevation: 12,944' // Trip Length 2-3 days
The North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak is in a league of it's own when it comes to ridge traverses. Breathtaking scenery is abundant nearly every step of the way including the beautiful Mt. Whitney and her adjacent spires once you've reached the half way point on the route. The NRLPP comes in at 5.6, Grade III but don't be fooled by it's modest grade. The complexity of route finding, knife edge traverses and sheer length of the route makes it a challenge not to underestimate. Experienced parties will enjoy this climb in a long single day but it's not uncommon to bivy somewhere on this granite spectacle or below near the Meysan Lakes to split the climb into 2 days. We'd recommend this route for the aspiring alpine climber whose had experience on smaller objectives at altitude and is ready to take it to the next level.
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BEAR CREEK SPIRE // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST
Trad, Low 5th Class - 5.8, Grade III // Elevation: 13,713' // Trip Length 2-3 days
A true classic in its own right, Bear Creek Spire demands your attention the minute you hit the trail just past Rock Creek Lake. The approach alone is worth it's weight in gold as you pass through beautiful alpine meadows known as Little Lakes Valley via the Mosquito Flats trail. The crown jewel of Bear Creek Spire is the aesthetic North Aret that plays host to some of the best high alpine granite on the Eastside. A must do for any alpine climber looking to advance their climbing skills at elevation. Although we consider the North Aret the “crown jewel” the most sought after and traveled route on Bear Creek Spire is the North East Ridge due to its moderate grade coming in at a low 5th class with the occasional harder move up high. A favorite among many, the North East Ridge of Bear Creek Spire is a great way to experience what the Sierra has to offer and an excellent route for the aspiring alpine climber.
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