Guided Climbing on Crystal Crag in Mammoth Lakes

I can’t imagine a better introduction to alpine climbing in the High Sierra than Crystal Crag. This twin-summited formation looms over the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and its summit can only be reached by climbers. The approach from the trailhead at Lake George can be done in less than an hour, and parties climbing its North Arete route (5.6) can choose to descend shortly after reaching its north summit or continue on to the south summit (the highest) on an excellent alpine ridge scramble. During the winter season and early spring, the descent routes can offer steep and enjoyable snow climbing.

Many pitch variations exist up to 5.8 on the North Arete route, and there are even some high quality sport climbs right near its start. If the climb goes quickly, you might end up back at Crystal Lake just below in time for a swim, or choose to do one of the sport routes either on Crystal or get a few rock climbs in on one of several high-quality granite cliffs you will walk by on the hike back out to the trailhead. Or you could do some fishing in the Lakes Basin, or go mountain biking, or just hang out back in town the rest of the day. Typically, a Crystal Crag climb takes anywhere from 4 to 8 hours car-to-car depending on how fast we go, how many are in our climbing party, whether I am including trad/alpine climbing instruction into our climb (a popular option) and whether we go to the south summit versus descending sooner.

Get in touch with me to book your Crystal Crag outing!