Tag: Rock Climbing

SMI Guides are back in action!

Posted on July 9, 2020 by - Alpine Rock Climbing, Backpacking, California 14ers, Charlotte Dome, Crystal Crag, Middle Palisade Peak, Mt. Conness, Mt. Langley, Mt. Russell, Mt. Sill, Mt. Tyndall, Mt. Whitney, Mt. Williamson, North Palisade Peak, Palisades, Polemonium Peak, Rock Climbing, Sierra Nevada, SMI News, Starlight Peak, Thunderbolt Peak

Mt. Whitney Summit!
    July 6, 2020: SMI founder Kurt Wedberg experiencing the euphoria of topping out with another satisfied guest on Mt. Whitney’s famous Mountaineers Route at sunrise!

    SMI guides are ecstatic to be back guiding trips in the Sierra! We have spent this spring during the pandemic staying in shape, keeping sharp with our skills, and honing our craft. With things starting to open up again we are ecstatic to be once again outside sharing adventures in the Sierra Nevada with our guests.

    The Sierra Nevada is our home, our back yard, and our favorite mountain range in the world. The possibilities for adventure and solitude are endless. Try ticking off some of our California 14ers on our Palisades trips, or the exhilaration from one of our classic alpine rock climbs. Learn to transfer your indoor climbing skills to the outdoor realm on one of our rock climbing programs, or discover pristine destinations in the Sierra Nevada through one of our customized backpacking trips! Whatever your desire the Sierra Nevada has it all!

    During the month of July join any SMI trip in 2020 and receive a free custom SMI UPF 50+ Buff!

    Learning to transfer indoor rock climbing skills to the outdoor environment during one of our Day on the Rocks outings!

    Sierra Gem – Bear Creek Spire

    Posted on July 18, 2016 by - Alpine Rock Climbing, Rock Climbing, Sierra Nevada, Uncategorized

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    The beautiful Bear Creek Spire

    Lately, it seems, our guides have been spending a lot of time climbing Bear Creek Spire. With multiple classic routes of varying levels, BCS is a beauty of a peak, nestled in the Little Lakes Valley of the High Sierra between Bishop and Mammoth.

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    SMI Guide, Ross Hill, leading a pitch on the North Arete

    The two most popular routes on BCS are the North Arete, a 1200′ climb rated 5.8 for its most challenging pitch, with most pitches 5.5 or lower, and the Northeast Ridge, rated 5.5. The approach to both involves a very gradual trail over about 3.5 miles, followed by some talus hopping and off-trail navigation for about 2 more. You will likely contend with a snow field at the base, depending on time of year.

    We are happy to take you on a climb of Bear Creek Spire this season, if you’re inspired by these photos! If you’re in good mountain shape, the Ridge could be turned around in a 2 day trip. We’d recommend a 3 day trip for the Arete, but 2 days might be appropriate for a strong climber.

    Client, Ben Novak, climbing the Northeast Ridge