rock climbing - GUT-Z JOURNEY

by Natalie

Trip Report: Mount Carl Heller

East Ridge Class 4, Summit 13,225 Ft

This peak has been on my back burner list for at least a decade. It has an infamous loooong ridge scramble. Distinctive from many angles. That alone was enough to sell me on it. It just took the right timing, and company to make a trip happen. Which turned out to be in late Sept 2024.

Approach:

The traditional approach is up George creek, but we opted for a North Fork of Lone Pine Creek traversing over and down. This was less direct but perhaps easier movement than the George Creek route.

by Natalie

TRIP REPORT: Norman Clyde Peak – Northeast Ridge

Norman Clyde Peak has a huge striking arete and summit pinnacle. It’s visible from Temple Crag and is found along the Palisade Traverse. However, it doesn’t get that much traffic as it’s a long approach and stiff scrambling. I found this trip to be a solid day effort. It could be more pleasant as an overnighter.

I’ve had this peak on my mind since I was a park ranger at Devils Postpile and gave campfire talks about Norman Clyde. It was good to finally get a day on my own in these wild and beautiful mountains as I climbed the Northeast Ridge of Norman Clyde Peak.

in Trip Reports

by Natalie

TRIP REPORT: East Arete of Mount Humphreys

This peak is a part of the Bishop skyline. If you spend enough time here, eventually you’ll want to climb this picturesque peak. The East Arete of Mount Humphreys is considered a classic route for those inclined to rock climbing. It’s a big day with a lot of elevation gain and ridge climbing. I enjoyed the climb, and found it to be a full day’s effort of mountain climbing.

in Trip Reports

by Natalie

Trip Report: Laurel Mountain

This is a classic sierra scramble up a stunning peak. It’s different than many of the backcountry climbs for a few different reasons. For one, it’s not really backcountry- you are less than an hour from your car and the route starts barely off the trail. The route itself is mostly slab climbing/walking up a large face for thousands of feet, and the much of the rock is limestone and shale. This feels different than the granite ridge climbing often experienced in the high sierra.

in Trip Reports

by Natalie

TRIP REPORT: Hurd Peak

This is a little quick report on a backcountry scramble up Hurd Peak.

Trail Head:

The trail starts out of South Lake in Bishop CA.

Approach:

If you have ever been at south lake before Hurd Peak is likely the first mountain your eyes will be drawn to. It poses a striking presence at the back end of South Lake and dominates a lot of the skyline from this vantage point. The hike begins out of south lake proper. You will eventually take a trail spur towards treasure lake. Hurd peak is in view for much of this approach and when you decide to turn off cross country towards the peak is really individual preference.

in Mountain Technique

by Natalie

My AMGA Rock Guide Course Experience

My AMGA rock guide course was an exceptional experience for me. I am incredibly grateful to First Ascent and AMGA for providing a scholarship. Being awarded a scholarship was absolutely the final push I needed to join the program.

in Mountain Technique

by Natalie

TRIP REPORT: Two Eagle Peak- The Diamond Grade III 5.6

This was a backcountry climb done in July 2020. It’s a great option for experienced climbers looking to get off the beaten track when exploring the Palisades drainage.

in Mountain Technique

by Natalie

SE Face Emerson, 5.4 Grade II

This is a classic ridge scramble out of the Bishop Lakes area. Emerson has a bit of everything one would look for on an alpine scramble. It’s got 5^th class climbing, easy 2^nd class terrain that you can move quickly in and then very exposed 3^rd and 4^th class on an incredible ridge line finish. Making it an excellent intermediate level route.

The Details:

in Mountain Technique / Trip Report