Mt. Whitney Elevation 14,497 feet, 4418m

Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states and one of the most sought after peaks in the United States. We climb Mt. Whitney by several routes throughout the year and each trip offers its own unique experience and requires different mountaineering skills.

We have scheduled dates listed below. All trips can be arranged for custom dates too. Contact our office for more detailed information on each offering and to apply for a trip.

Mountaineer’s Route

Located on the northeast side of Mt. Whitney is a chute angled at approximately 25-35 degrees. The route ascends this chute and tops out at a notch about 400 feet below the summit. Here the angle becomes slightly steeper to 40-45 degrees to the summit. This climb offers a much less crowded way of reaching this very popular summit, and beautiful vistas are prevalent throughout.

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Winter/Spring 2013

4 Days

Difficulty rating: Class 3

Beginner – Advanced

During the winter and spring months Whitney is full of snow. This trip has a snowshoe approach and the route requires carrying an ice axe and wearing crampons, in addition to being roped up. See our instructional programs for information about learning these skills. We drive as far as the snow will allow, which is usually below the summer trailhead. We start our climb from here ascending the North Fork of Lone Pine Creek making our camp near Lower Boy Scout Lake at 10,300 feet, 3139m.

On day 2 we break camp and travel to our high camp at or near Iceberg Lake at 12,240 feet, 3730m in preparation for our summit bid the following morning. On Day 3 we get a pre dawn start and climb roped together we ascend the snow filled chute that can angle as steep as 30 degrees with deep snow. For the last 400 feet we employ fixed lines in the same manner as we would on high peaks in Alaska and the Himalaya. Day 4 is the descent back to our cars.

Cost:

$1000.00 per person

Dates:

March 7-11, 2013

April 6-9, 2013

April 26-29, 2013

May 2-5, 2013

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Summer/Fall 2013

3 Days

Difficulty rating: Class 3

Beginner – Intermediate

During the summer the approach takes us over trails, pine trees, boulders, granite slabs, high alpine meadows, and lakes. We camp between Upper Boy Scout and Iceberg Lakes on the first day. On day two we rise early to make the ascent up the chute. On the last 400 feet we encounter slightly steeper rock requiring a few hand and foot moves over Class 3 terrain. No previous rock climbing training is required. However, we bring a rope for safety and security. Day 3 is devoted to packing up camp and returning to the trailhead, usually in time for lunch.

Cost:

$575.00 per person with a minimum of 2

Dates:

July 19-21 2013

Aug 2-4 2013

Aug 16-18 2013

Aug 30- Sept 1 2013

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Rock Climbing Routes

East Face, East Buttress, and Direct Crack

3 Days

Difficulty rating: See below

Beginner – Advanced

The East Face and East Buttress routes are considered two of the finest alpine rock climbs in the United States. Anybody who has mastered the basics of hand and foot techniques, knows how to belay, and feels OK at these altitudes can attempt this climb with us. See our instructional programs for more information about learning these skills. The climbing is on firm white granite and the views are exhilarating. These climbs are best done in the summer and fall months.

The Direct Crack is a long and more strenuous climb. The hardest moves are 5.9, with the exception of one short aid move that goes free at 5.10d. After several pitches of climbing it joins the second half of the East Face route.

East Face

Difficulty rating: 5.6

Beginner – Intermediate

East Buttress

Difficulty rating: 5.7

Beginner – Intermediate

Direct Crack

Difficulty rating: 5.9 with one A1 move

High Intermediate – Advanced

Cost:

$780 per person

$895 for two climbs in four days including one each on Mt. Whitney and Mt. Russell

East Face

Dates:

July 12-14 2013

July 23-25 2013

Sept 13-15 2013

Custom dates available between June and October, Contact SMI

East Buttress

Dates:

Aug 13-15 2013

Sept 7-9 2013

Custom dates available between June and October, Contact SMI