Bear Creek Spire

Ranging from historic wilderness scrambles to world-class vertical lines, the routes on Bear Creek Spire offer some of the finest granite climbing in the Sierra Nevada.

Guided Climbs on Bear Creek Spire

Ready to stand atop the 13,726’/4184m crown of the Little Lakes Valley? Our professional guides are ready to lead you up Bear Creek Spire’s three most celebrated routes, tailored completely to your skill level. For the backcountry traditionalist, Ulrich’s Route offers a classic Class 4 alpine scramble tracing the steps of the peak’s first ascent. Mountaineers looking to transition into technical alpine terrain will fall in love with the Northeast Ridge (Class 4–5.5), a stunning tour of moderate rock, high exposure, and breathtaking Sierra views. And for seasoned rock climbers, our guided trips on the North Arête (5.8) offer five pitches of flawless, vertical hand cracks and flakes on golden granite. Whether you want to scramble, traverse, or jam your way to the monolithic summit block, book your High Sierra mountain guide today and tick a classic off your bucket list.

Choose Your Guided Route

We offer three distinct guided programs on Bear Creek Spire, tailored completely to your mountaineering background and technical climbing goals.

1. Ulrich’s Route (Class 4) — The Historic Alpine Scramble

  • Best For: Strong hikers, backpackers, and peakbaggers looking to break into true mountaineering.
  • The Experience: Trace the footsteps of the 1923 first ascent. This program bypasses technical rope-pitching in favor of a rugged, fast-and-light mountain scramble up the complex West Face.
  • What You’ll Learn: Advanced route-finding, moving efficiently through steep talus, and managing high-altitude exposure under the direct supervision of a professional mountain guide.
  • Ratio: Up to 3 clients per guide.

2. The Northeast Ridge (Class 4–5.5) — The Ultimate Skyline Traverse

  • Best For: Indoor climbers looking to transition outdoors, or intermediate mountaineers wanting an iconic ridge climb.
  • The Experience: Widely considered the finest introductory technical alpine route in California. You will traverse a sweeping, aesthetic granite skyline looking down into spectacular glacial basins, culminating in a thrilling, guided rope-pitch up the famous 5.5 summit block.
  • What You’ll Learn: Alpine rope multi-pitch efficiency, ridge movement, and high-altitude anchor management.
  • Ratio: 1:1 or 2:1 max.

3. The North Arête (5.8, Grade III) — The High Sierra Crack-Climbing Masterpiece

  • Best For: Experienced traditional rock climbers looking to tick a world-class alpine mega-classic.
  • The Experience: Five pitches of absolute vertical perfection. Your guide will lead you up flawless, golden-grained Sierra granite featuring steep hand cracks, technical corner systems, and breathtaking, airy positioning high above Dade Lake.
  • What You’ll Learn: Multi-pitch communication, high-altitude pacing, and advanced vertical movement.
  • Ratio: 1:1 or 2:1 max.

What’s Included in Your Trip

When you book a guided trip with us, we take the stress out of wilderness logistics so you can focus entirely on the climb:

  • Guaranteed Wilderness Permits: We secure all overnight and day-use wilderness permits.
  • Group Safety Equipment: Ropes, traditional protection rack, team first-aid kits, and satellite communication devices.
  • Technical Gear Rentals: Harnesses, helmets, and belay devices are available upon request.
  • Expert Local Knowledge: Climb with professionals who are Sierra veterans and know these routes, descents, and weather patterns inside and out.

Trip Logistics & Booking Information

  • Trip Options: We offer Bear Creek Spire climbs as either a 1-day car-to-car trip, or as a 2 or 3-day option.
  • Season: Programs run daily from June through September.
  • Meeting Location: Bishop, CA or directly at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead (10,260 ft)—the highest paved trailhead in the Sierra, ensuring a quick and efficient approach.
  • Fitness Requirements: Climbers must be in excellent cardiovascular condition, capable of hiking 5+ miles off-trail with an overnight backpack or moving continuously for 10–14 hours on a single-day push at elevations exceeding 11,000 feet.

Cost

1-Day
$795 per person guided 1:1
$525 per person guided 2:1

2-Days
$1390 per person guided 1:1
$850 per person guided 2:1

3-days
$2085 per person guided 1:1
$1275 per person guided 2:1

Dates

Book using the buttons below or contact our office.