Nestled between the main Sierra Nevada crest on the west and the Carson Range on the east, lies Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, and one of the best climbing areas in the USA. Towering above this beautiful lake is an enormous expanse of fine-grained, high-quality granite. With classic options such as Lover’s Leap, Traveler Buttress or Bear’s Reach, this area caters to all skill levels. It doesn’t take much to see why Lake Tahoe remains one of the best climbing spots in Sierra Nevada among climbers hungry for world-class rock climbing. 

  • The granite here feels like it was built to be climbed 

  • The Lake Tahoe Basin holds a lifetime of climbing

  • The draw for most is Lover’s Leap — a 250-600ft stretch of granite 

Choose itinerary

A Customized Day of Climbing With a Private Guide
May 01 onwards
Half-Day of Climbing With a Private Guide
May 01 onwards
Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Day
May 15 onwards

Meet your guide

Alpenglow Expeditions
5.00
Alpenglow Expeditions
Founded in 2004 by IFMGA certified guide Adrian Ballinger, Alpenglow is an AMGA accredited business that leads expeditions across the mountain ranges of the globe in all disciplines including mountaineering, skiing, ski mountaineering, and rock climbing. They’re based in Olympic Valley just northwest of Tahoe City.
5.00 (3 reviews)
Rocking Climbing
Champcolie_0320 about Alpenglow Expeditions on TripAdvisor

Wow! Can’t say enough wonderful things about our experience. It was my children’s first time doing outdoor rock climbing and they are hooked. Our guide was incredibly patient and treated the kids so well. Next time we are back in Tahoe we can’t wait to do this adventure again.

Terrific way to spend half a day in summer at Tahoe
DaveUSA123 about Alpenglow Expeditions on TripAdvisor

We had such a great time. We love getting outdoors and having a bit of adventure, and this was right on the money. It’s like rock climbing/mountain climbing, but you don’t have to worry too much about gear or technique because it is all done for you. You clip in to the cable and you are safe for the whole time. You get amazing views of the valley and get to cover some pretty hairy terrain with no worries.  

Our guide was Scott and he was great. Very professional and thorough, but also very patient and friendly…chatted us up the whole time. I would recommend this activity to anyone who is OK with heights, as there are definitely some maneuvers that might give the squeamish pause. We will definitely do this again!

BEST Tahoe adventure yet!!
Strsjulie about Alpenglow Expeditions on TripAdvisor

Wow! Our favorite part of this mountain climbing adventure was doing something seemingly so dangerous and yet feeling very safe and ABLE. Our guide was clear, patient and encouraging. We walked away with a sense of accomplishment and feeling of possibilities.

Things to know

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Lake Tahoe, please refer to the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority website.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

  • What you get in this adventure package:

    • An experienced, local rock-climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Half day to full day of rock climbing each day (depending on your chosen itinerary)
    • All technical climbing gear

    What’s not included:

    • Snacks and meals
    • Transportation
    • Accommodation
  • If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Rock climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up a cliff using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

  • Lake Tahoe has plenty of options for beginner climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the gym to outdoor climbing, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the rocks, and most importantly, have fun!

    For intermediate to advanced climbers, Lake Tahoe has loads of routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

  • All technical climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

    • Helmet
    • Harness with a locking carabiner, belay device, and chalk bag
    • Ropes
    • Rock shoes (included in the price, but we recommend bringing your own if you have them)
    • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)

    Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

    • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag)
    • Water bottle
    • Food you can eat on-the-go
    • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
    • Sunglasses
    • Camera — optional

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

    • Group sizes are between 1-4 people with one guide, but for family sessions, you can go with a larger group of up to 5 people per guide. 
    • Costs per person will decrease as the group grows for private tours, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family.
    • Climbing days can be arranged for bigger groups. Contact us prior to booking.

    Min. age requirements:

    • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Teens aged 13-17 can go on their own, but a guardian will need to provide a signed waiver before an outing with the guide.
    • Kids aged 5-12 can go climbing, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • To get to Lake Tahoe from the Bay Area, head up Highway 80 to Sacramento, where you will head up into the hills on 80, 50, or 89, depending on where you’re going. From Reno, head up Highway 80 to go to North Lake destinations, or down Highway 395, and then West on Highway 89 into South Lake Tahoe.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. From there, you’ll head to your course. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on the conditions and the climbing ability of the group.

Have more questions? Read our FAQ,
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