Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing - Crystal Crag
Overview
With an approach just barely long enough to consider this an alpine climb, once you start up your first pitch of this stellar rock formation, you'll feel completely secluded while overlooking the Mammoth Lakes Basin down below. A few pitches of climbing and an optional ridge traverse make this the perfect place to get your first taste of alpine climbing that will inspire you to pursue longer and more committing climbs to come!
Routes
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!
Requisite Experience
Outdoor rock climbing experience with the ability to follow pitches up to 5.7 in difficulty is required for this climb, along with being in good physical condition.
Dates
Available Dates
Prices
Pricing varies depending on number of people and number of days.Equipment
Rock Climbing Gear Guide for Trad Followers
Gear Guide / Packing List
Please review this list thoroughly and ask if you have any questions. Some of this gear is necessary for all climbs, and some may be optional depending on the objective of your day.
Technical Gear
- Helmet, UIAA/CE approved for climbing, Petzl Scirocco
- Harness with belay loop, UIAA/CE approved for climbing, Petzl Hirundos
- Climbing Shoes
- Approach Shoes (optional, bring if you have them. Not necessary for Big Chief)
- Nut Tool, for removing nuts/stoppers on trad routes
- Non-locking Carabiners, 10 carabiners
- Locking Carabiners, 3 HMS-style (Munter Mitch Compatible) lockers
- Locking Carabiners, 6 or more small or HMS style locking carabiners
- Belay Device, Tube style belay device, Petzl Reverso, BD ATC Guide
- Assisted Braking Device, ABD style belay device, Petzl “GriGri” or Trango “Cinch”
- Double Length Sewn Runner
- 1 Prusik loop, fixed 4’ loop of 6mm nylon cord or purpose built loop like Sterling “Hollowblock”
Head and Neck Items
- Sun Hat - A Baseball Hat, Blackbird Mountain Guides Logo Hat
- Sunglasses - Dark Lens Glasses
- Warm Hat - Lightweight Warm Hat that Fits Under Your Helmet
Upper Body and Hand Layers (weather dependent)
- Long Sleeve Base Layer - Lightweight, Synthetic/Wool
- Insulating Top Layers - Light to Midweight Insulation Layer; Rab Xenair
- Puffy - Midweight Down or Synthetic with Hood; Rab Generator or similar
- Softshell Jacket, Hooded – Weather resistant but breathable, not insulated or waterproof
- Light Gloves - Light to Mid Weight for cool temps
- Sports Bra - Wool/Synthetic
Lower Body and Foot Layers
- Underwear - Wool/Synthetic
- Socks - Midweight Wool/Synthetic; Darn Tough Via Ferrata
- Softshell Climbing Pants - Breathable, Weather Resistant Pants - Marmot Scree Pants
Food and Water
- Water for a full day of climbing
- Snacks and Lunch for a full day of climbing
Other Essentials
- Sun Screen (SPF 30 minimum)
- Lip Balm (with SPF)
Group Gear Supplied by Blackbird Mountain Guides
- Guide’s First Aid Kits
- Wag Bags (Solid Human Waste Disposal Bags)
- Climbing Ropes
- Hardware for anchors
- Lead climbing rack (cams & stoppers)
- Draws and/or Alpine Draws
Know Before You Go
Location
Mammoth Lakes, CA
Elevation
9,000-11,000'
Technical Difficulty ⚫⚫⚫⚪⚪
This climb requires proficiency in a variety of skills including basic rope skills, experience with belaying, rappelling and technical climbing on 4th and 5th class rock.
Physical Difficulty ⚫⚫⚫⚪⚪
You should be in good physical condition.
Trip Length
1 Day
CONTACT US FOR 2022 DATES
Email us to schedule custom dates for your program!
- Regular price
- $550.00
- Sale price
- $550.00
- Regular price
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