Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag
Available to climb June to October each year
This Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing course takes place at Crystal Crag, a striking 10,377′ granite spire rising above Mammoth Lakes Basin. Named for the massive vein of gleaming white quartz that cuts through its face, Crystal Crag offers a unique and scenic climbing experience. Guided by AMGA-trained instructors, you’ll climb the classic North Arete (5.7), a 4–5 pitch alpine route featuring crack, slab, chimney, and knife-edge ridge climbing.
Along the way, you’ll learn multi-pitch rope systems, how to place and clean traditional protection, efficient belaying and rappelling techniques, and alpine route finding on high-quality granite. The route gains about 1,300′ above Lake George, offering stunning views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding Sierra peaks.
This one-day outing delivers an authentic alpine adventure—without the need for an overnight expedition—and builds the skills and confidence needed for bigger alpine climbs across the Sierra and beyond.
We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:
- North Arete - 5.7 - A ledgy and featured climb that leads you up to the Crystal Corridor will make it clear why this classic rock formation is called Crystal Crag!
- 8:00am - Meet your guide in the field at the designated trailhead
- 8:15am - Gear and trailhead departure check
- 8:45am - Begin the course / climb - with lessons and teachable moments along the way
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - Finish at the trailhead. Debrief of the day and discuss strengths, areas for improvement, goals, and next steps in your alpine climbing progression.
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
- This is an introductory program - no alpine climbing experience is required!
- Basic Rock Climbing Experience - Including proficiency with basic rope skills, belaying, rappelling, and technical climbing on 4th and 5th class rock.
- Moderate Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 4-6 miles and climb 1,500-2,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.
- Alpine Climbing Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your trip:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Ropes & Gear
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Meals
- Transportation
- Climbing Shoes, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Alpine Climbing Gear
- Climbing Shoes
- Climbing Harness
Know Before you go
PRIVATE PROGRAMS
- Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
- Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
- Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
- Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
- AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.
SCHEDULED PROGRAMS
- Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
- Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
- Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
- Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
- Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!
Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.
Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!
- 8:00am - Meet your guide in the field at the designated trailhead
- 8:15am - Gear and trailhead departure check
- 8:45am - Begin the course / climb - with lessons and teachable moments along the way
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - Finish at the trailhead. Debrief of the day and discuss strengths, areas for improvement, goals, and next steps in your alpine climbing progression.
Available to climb June to October each year
This Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing course takes place at Crystal Crag, a striking 10,377′ granite spire rising above Mammoth Lakes Basin. Named for the massive vein of gleaming white quartz that cuts through its face, Crystal Crag offers a unique and scenic climbing experience. Guided by AMGA-trained instructors, you’ll climb the classic North Arete (5.7), a 4–5 pitch alpine route featuring crack, slab, chimney, and knife-edge ridge climbing.
Along the way, you’ll learn multi-pitch rope systems, how to place and clean traditional protection, efficient belaying and rappelling techniques, and alpine route finding on high-quality granite. The route gains about 1,300′ above Lake George, offering stunning views of the Mammoth Lakes Basin and surrounding Sierra peaks.
This one-day outing delivers an authentic alpine adventure—without the need for an overnight expedition—and builds the skills and confidence needed for bigger alpine climbs across the Sierra and beyond.
We'll tackle the following objectives and skills:
- North Arete - 5.7 - A ledgy and featured climb that leads you up to the Crystal Corridor will make it clear why this classic rock formation is called Crystal Crag!
- 8:00am - Meet your guide in the field at the designated trailhead
- 8:15am - Gear and trailhead departure check
- 8:45am - Begin the course / climb - with lessons and teachable moments along the way
- 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
- 3:30pm - Finish at the trailhead. Debrief of the day and discuss strengths, areas for improvement, goals, and next steps in your alpine climbing progression.
Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:
- This is an introductory program - no alpine climbing experience is required!
- Basic Rock Climbing Experience - Including proficiency with basic rope skills, belaying, rappelling, and technical climbing on 4th and 5th class rock.
- Moderate Fitness - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 4-6 miles and climb 1,500-2,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.
- Alpine Climbing Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Here's what's included with your trip:
- Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
- Ropes & Gear
- Group Safety Gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
- Wag Bags - for human waste disposal in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
- Meals
- Transportation
- Climbing Shoes, Climbing Harness
- Guide Gratuities
Alpine Climbing Gear
- Climbing Shoes
- Climbing Harness
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