intro to aLPine
climbing

LOCATION: Eastern Sierra, CA (Rock Creek Canyon / Little Lakes Valley)

COURSE OUTING LENGTH: 5 DAYS

Golden State Guiding’s 2026 Intro to Alpine Climbing (IAC) dates are here. Join us in the Eastern Sierra (Rock Creek Canyon / Little Lakes Valley) for a five-day course covering essential alpine systems, including multi-pitch technique, anchors and transitions, rope management on 3rd–4th and low 5th class terrain, traditional gear placements, efficient movement in small teams, weather forecasting, mapping, and a snow skills clinic. You’ll apply these skills on Little Lakes Peak or Mount Morgan before culminating on Bear Creek Spire’s Northeast Ridge (13,726’). Private courses are also available.

  • July 15 - 19, 2026

    ***Private courses available if you dont see a course date that works for you - click here to inquire***

  • DAY 1

    The first day of our Intro to Alpine Climbing course will begin at a designated climbing area near the trailhead for Little Lakes Valley. This first day we’ll review single pitch and multi pitch climbing systems in a single pitch environment, as well as discuss alpine climbing equipment, mapping software, weather forecast sites, and more. Day one we’ll camp near the trailhead and prepare for our trip into the alpine the following day.

    DAY 2

    We’ll begin our approach to basecamp as we head down Little Lakes Valley towards Bear Creek Spire. Day two we’ll review basecamp setup, facilitate an in-depth snow skills course, and review our objective for day three.

    DAY 3

    Our first climbing objective of our Intro to Alpine Climbing Course will be either Little Lakes Peak (12,785’) or Mount Morgan (13,003’). These peaks will act as the building blocks for our final objective, Bear Creek Spire, the following day. During day three we’ll review the rope systems we use in the alpine on class 3-4, and low 5th class terrain, how to place gear and transitions at the belay, how to move efficiently as a two and three person team, as well as route finding.

    DAY 4

    Early start on day four as we make our way towards Bear Creek Spire’s North East Ridge. Bear Creek Spire’s NE Ridge is rated low 5th class which incorporates some harder moves in the 5.6 range. This is the perfect introduction to alpine climbing in the High Sierra and a respected peak by many in the climbing community. After our ascent of Bear Creek Spire we’ll descend back to camp and debrief the climb.

    DAY 5

    Our fifth and final day has us packing up basecamp and heading back to the trailhead where we’ll do an in-depth debrief of the entire course, answer any additional questions you may have, and point you in the right direction as far as next steps are concerned.

  • First night camping at trailhead

    Wilderness backcountry permits

    Ice axe

    Crampons

    Helmet

    Harness

  • 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

    ***Private courses available - click here to inquire***

  • All guests will be responsible for all meals during the duration of their Intro to Alpine Climbing Course. If you are in need of any climbing gear listed on our equipment list, we highly recommend our friends at Mammoth Mountaineering for any rentals you may need for the course.

    ***Equipment List
    ***Meal Plan

INTRO TO ALPINE CLIMBING PRIVATE BOOKINGS
Guided alpine rock climbing in the Eastern Sierra mountains
Alpine climbing course focused on movement and safety in the Eastern Sierra
Intro to alpine climbing course in the Eastern Sierra with professional guides
Beginner alpine climbing instruction in the Eastern Sierra mountains
Guided introduction to alpine climbing on Eastern Sierra granite
Small group alpine climbing class in the Eastern Sierra
Professional alpine climbing training for first-time alpine climbers in the Eastern Sierra
Scenic alpine climbing lesson in the high country of the Eastern Sierra
Introductory alpine climbing experience on classic Eastern Sierra routes
Guided alpine climbing fundamentals course in the Eastern Sierra
Outdoor alpine climbing instruction in the Eastern Sierra with certified guides
Beginner-friendly alpine climbing program in the Eastern Sierra
Intro to alpine climbing on technical terrain in the Eastern Sierra
Professional instruction for transitioning from single-pitch to alpine climbing in the Eastern Sierra
Small group alpine climbing training in a high-altitude Eastern Sierra setting
Guided alpine climbing experience on exposed ridgelines in the Eastern Sierra
Introductory alpine climbing skills course in the Eastern Sierra backcountry
Alpine climbing lesson on classic granite formations in the Eastern Sierra
Certified mountain guides teaching alpine climbing fundamentals in the Eastern Sierra
Beginner alpine climbing adventure in the Eastern Sierra mountains
Guided alpine climbing course in the rugged terrain of the Eastern Sierra

BIG THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS FOR SUPPORTING OUR INTRO TO ALPINE CLIMBING COURSES!

INTRO TO ALPINE CLIMBING

EASTERN SIERRA, California