Mammoth Lakes Beginners’ Rock Climbing Course

What you get on this adventure:

• • An experienced, local AMGA rock climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  • Half day or full day of customizable climbing, depending on the itinerary
  • Climbing gear

What’s not included:

• • Transportation to Mammoth Lakes
  • Accommodations
  • Meals
  • Parking
  • Guide gratuities — optional

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 climbing in Mammoth Lakes, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

Mammoth Lakes and surrounding areas provide 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!

While this tour is designed for beginners, Mammoth Lakes provide loads of routes for intermediate and advanced climbers as well. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your Mammoth Lakes rock climbing 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 you may need in a day (around a 20L backpack)
  • Water bottle and water
  • Food you can eat on-the-go
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, bug spray, toilet paper, etc.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera — optional (but recommended!)

Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the sport and the season. May to June typically offers cool to mild temperatures, so pack layers and a light jacket. July and August bring warmer weather, so have sunscreen and breathable clothing on hand. In September and October, temperatures start to cool down again, so be prepared for cooler evenings. Remember that the weather can change quickly in mountainous areas, so having adaptable clothing is essential for comfort throughout your stay.

Group sizes and prices:

• • For these private adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 4:1.
  • Two participants have to join for a half-day tour to operate.
  • This full-day tour can operate with only one participant.
  • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family!

Rock climbing in Mammoth Lakes 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 Mammoth Lakes, most people fly into Mammoth Yosemite Airport, which is 8 miles away from town. Another option is driving from cities like Fresno, Las Vegas, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Keep in mind that driving from major cities to Mammoth Lakes can take you between 4 and 6 hours.

Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place and time to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. We suggest arriving in town the day before. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both emergency medical and travel insurance. With medical insurance, if you have an accident or medical emergency on or off the mountain, you’ll avoid paying out of pocket for costly expenses. This covers everything from hospital treatments to emergency air transportation and more.

Travel insurance covers canceled flights, natural disasters and other scenarios that may interrupt your travel plans.

We also expect you to respect local regulations and take measures to protect yourselves, your guides, and the communities you’re traveling to.

If you need assistance selecting the right insurance for your group, let us know and we will be happy to help!