Eastern Sierra
CLIMBING
LOCATION: Eastern Sierra, CA
PRIVATE OUTING LENGTH: HALF DAY (6 HOURS), FULL DAY (8 HOURS)
Half, Full, Big & Multi-day rock, alpine, and mountaineering trips in the stunning Sierra Nevada—from 14,000’ alpine spires to classic Eastside granite. Guided by AMGA-trained professionals, we offer everything from big alpine objectives to fun single-pitch days in places like Mammoth Lakes and Rock Creek Canyon, with options for every experience level. Read below for more details & info on Eastern Sierra classics.
HALF DAY, FULL DAY, BIG DAY & MULTI DAY EASTERN SIERRA CLIMBING
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One Person $350
Two People $225
Three People $175
Four People $150
Five People $130
Six People $120
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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 $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
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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
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Contact us at gsg.info@goldenstateguiding.com for customized bookings.
EASTERN SIERRA ALPINE 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.
EASTERN SIERRA HALF & FULL DAY LOCATIONS
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Conveniently located directly south of the famous Mammoth Mountain, the Mammoth Lakes Basin area plays host to hundreds of single pitch routes ranging from beginner to experienced and everything in between. From Horseshoe Slabs, the Sunshine Wall and the Wavy Gravy Wall to the North Face, East Face and Dike Wall further south, Mammoth Lakes Basin is a playground for any climber looking to get out with friends or family for the day. The Mammoth Lakes Basin area is an outdoor recreational hot spot year round so expect to be around the many hikers and campers that frequent this area, especially during the summer months. After a fun filled day of climbing in this area head back into town for a beverage at our favorite brewery in Mammoth, Distant Brewing (originally Black Doubt Brewing) or any of the one-hundred fine restaurants and establishments located in town, you can't lose!
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PINE CREEK CANYON // BISHOP, CA
Sport, Trad, All Levels // Elevation: 7,200' // Trip Length Single Day
Nestled between the awe inspiring Mount Tom (13,652’) that dominates Round Valley and Wheeler Crest lies one of the highest concentrated areas of climbing in the Eastern Sierra, Pine Creek Canyon. This beautiful granite filled canyon boasts over 600 routes and plays host to all types of climbing, from sport, to traditional and long multi pitch routes. Due to it’s close proximity to the town of Bishop and wide variety of climbing grades, Pine Creek Canyon is an ideal choice for new or experienced climbers looking to get out for a day or two and enjoy some of the best granite the Sierra has to offer.
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CLARK CANYON // MAMMOTH LAKES AREA
Sport, Top Rope, All Levels // Elevation: 7,200' // Trip Length Single Day
If sport climbing is what you're looking for then Clark Canyon is the place to go! Tricky to find and a little off the beaten path, Clark Canyon lies roughly 7 miles North and East of the Mammoth Lakes turnoff. Known for it's steep routes with pockets on volcanic rock, Clark Canyon has climbs ranging from 40' feet to 200' feet in length and can accommodate all levels of climbing from beginner to experienced. Although primarily a sport climbing destination, Clark Canyon does offer up the occasional trad climb or boulder problem if clipping bolts isn't your thing. A high clearance vehicle is recommended for the drive to this venue as the road is not always maintained. Clark Canyon is a great choice for any climber looking to get out for a day with family or friends in a beautiful location.
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WHITNEY PORTAL // LONE PINE, CA
Trad // Elevation: 9,000' // Trip Length Single Day
Some of the best multi pitch granite you can find and just a stones throw away from the largest peak in the continental US, Mount Whitney! Whitney Portal plays host to a multitude of splitter cracks and countless feet of immaculate granite slab. Test your skills on classic traditional routes like Bony Fingers (5.11b R) over at The Whale or opt for a more casual outing and climb the beautiful Beckey Route (5.9), 5 pitches, 750 feet, over at El Segundo Buttress. Whitney Portal is a beautiful area with spectacular views and has great camping options but make sure to book in advance as many sites fill up due to the Mount Whitney trailhead just up the road. Whitney Portal caters to intermediate and advanced climbers and can be climbed spring through fall. Temps can heat up quickly during summer months so if a booking is desired anywhere from July through August plan on an earlier start!
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June Lake ROCK climbing
Sport, Trad, All Levels // Elevation: 7,600' // Trip Length Single Day
Not only does June Lake play host to endless amounts of premier ice climbing and skiing in the winter months, but it also boasts multiple rock climbing formations for all climbing abilities through late spring to late fall. The most popular climbing area is adjacent to the beautiful Silver Lake and is called Silver Lake climbing area, although Rush Creek is becoming a close second. Much of the climbing in June Lake is similar to Clark Canyon due to the rock being volcanic tuff but there are sprinkles of granite throughout the June Lake area as well. If you’re looking for a fun day out with the family or a casual day at the crag with friends, the June Lake area is a good option and will not disappoint! If traveling in the fall (end of September to early November) this is a particularly good venue option due to the leaves changing colors!
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IRIS SLAB // ROCK CREEK CANYON
Trad & Top Rope, 5.5 - 5.10c // Elevation: 8,500' // Trip Length Single Day
Iris Slab, located in the beautiful Rock Creek Canyon area is a great climbing destination for any climber looking to get out for the day with family or friends. Easily accessed from the Rock Creek Canyon road, Iris Slab offers up a variety of single pitch routes ranging in the 5.5 - 5.10 range and can be set up as a top rope or climbed with gear on some routes. Rock Creek Lake just up the road is a popular summer time destination for day hiking and camping so expect there to be a few people at this crag. Once you've finished your climbing for the day continue up the road for lunch or dinner at Rock Creek Lakes Resort for a tasty meal or beverage lake side.
*There are other notable crags in the Rock Creek Canyon area and even some bouldering spots. If you'd prefer to climb at these locations simply let us know during the booking process.
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