Alpine Climbing in the High Sierra

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 High Sierra, please refer to the California State 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 on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • A full day or “extreme” day of (alpine) rock climbing depending on your chosen itinerary
  • All technical climbing gear
  • Permits

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to the trailhead
  • Accommodations
  • Lunch/snacks
  • Parking
  • Guide gratuities — optional

For most climbing locations in High Sierra, you are supposed to have a very good level of fitness and a solid climbing experience (whether we’re talking about summiting or multi-pitch and technical climbing). That said, there are options for beginner and inexperienced climbers as well. If you are one of them, the focus of your adventure will be on instruction and learning new skills and not so much on a specific objective, like finishing a multi-pitch route or summiting a peak.

There are plenty of options for beginner climbers in High Sierra. 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, High Sierra 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
  • Rock shoes or boots
  • Rock or waterproof gloves
  • Ropes
  • Climbing hardware (quickdraws, cam devices, stoppers, etc.)
  • Sleeping bags and tents

Your full equipment list will be determined with your guide after booking. Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

• • Daypack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 35L bag)
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • The food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional
  • Base layers and climbing apparel
  • Liner socks and medium thickness socks
  • Softshell
  • A waterproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof pants
  • Softshell jacket
  • Puffy jacket
  • Neck gaiter
  • Wooly hat
  • 2 pairs of gloves

Dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest avoiding cotton and bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Remember that the temperatures can drop dramatically in the evening, as well as with altitude, so make sure to pack extra layers.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For these private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1. 
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! 

Alpine rock climbing in High Sierra can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements:

• • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, 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 High Sierra, most people fly into Reno-Tahoe International Airport. You can take a shuttle or rent a car to get to your accommodation (if applicable) or to the trailhead for your adventure.

Every adventure has a different starting point because of different access roads to the destination. Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. From there, you’ll head to the crag and begin your day of climbing!