Rock climbing to the summit of Mt. Whitney via the East Face or East Buttress, 3 days

This 3-day adventure is lead by the certified guides from SWS Mountain Guides, as they take you rock climbing to the summit of Mt. Whitney via the East Face or East Buttress, a challenging yet rewarding expedition that will test your skills and expose you to the wild scenery of the area.

Sierra Nevada (California)

3 Days

Jun - Sep

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Rock climb on the awesome Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevada
Climb up the towering East Face or East Buttress
Admire the truly epic and awesome views out over the California scenery
Improve and practice your rock climbing skills

Description

I will guide you on this utterly thrilling and unique 3-day journey of rock climbing to the summit of Mt. Whitney via the East Face or East Buttress, an adventure that will see us learn and improve our rock climbing skills and techniques on this more challenging section of the mountain, while also taking the time to admire and be amazed by the sumptuous and spectacular Californian scenery around us.

Mount Whitney (4421m) is the highest mountain in the lower 48 states of the USA, and the highest in the world famous Sierra Nevada mountain range. It contains mostly rocky terrain, with little vegetation able to grow, and is an immensely popular and well-known locale to indulge in mountaineering and rock climbing.

We will meet in the nearby town of Lone Pine, where all general and safety information will be run through, and from there we then head to the trail.

After hiking up to our base camp, we are then free to review some of the technical climbing techniques that we will be utilizing, before an optional pre-climb clinic.

Day 2 is the undoubted highlight of the, as we rock climb up the mighty and massive Whitney East Face or East Buttress, both providing memorable sheer rock faces that tower over the rocky and peaceful terrain below.

After the rock climbing we reach the summit, with yet more incredible views to admire, before we descend back down to the base camp via the mountaineers route.

Day 3 entails a gorgeous scenic hike through the Whitney Portal Trailhead, before we head back to Lone Pine and finish our trip, thrilled and content at the brilliant 3 days we have had.

Challenge yourself and see Mt. Whitney in an adrenaline-pumping way – book now to experience!

Price includes

Guiding fee
Breakfast
Dinner
Permit and entrance fees
Tents
Rope
Harness
Helmet

Price details

Professional instruction/guide ratio of 1:2 , breakfast items, helmets, harness, groupclimbing equipment including ropes and safety equipment, group camping equipment including tents and stoves, permits, and permit fees including Mt. Whitney permit reservations fees.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet

Meet in Lone Pine, hike to base camp, review technical climbing techniques.

Day 2: Summit

Rock climb to summit via East Face or East Buttress, descend back to base camp.

Day 3: Finish

Hike around Whitney Portal Trailhead, head back to Lone Pine, finish.

Details

More info

Experience Level: Solid rock climbing skills, ability to follow 5.8, proper knots, belays, and excellent physical conditioning. Previous experience with climbing at altitude is helpful.

Meeting point

Lone Pine, California

FAQs

What experience and physical condition do you have to be in to climb Mt Whitney via the East Face or East Buttress?

Climbing Mt Whitney is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It requires both physical and mental

toughness. Listed below are the minimum physical requirements we would expect for all of our clients

before they show up to climb Mt Whitney via the East Face or East Buttress:

Physical Conditions:

Be able to maintain 185 to 215 meters per hr (600-700 feet per hr) climbing pace AND be

able to maintain this pace for 1-hour increments.

Carry a 15-18 kilogram (35-40 pound) pack

3.Be able to move efficiently off of maintained trails on scree and talus. Using large step ups and

step-downs, and some movements requiring the whole body while carrying a pack.

A guest who can do 235 meters per hr / 750 feet per hr with a loaded pack (11-14 kilos/ 25-30

lbs) on a stair stepper should have the fitness to climb Mt. Whitney.

5.Plus, Weekend hikes 12-16 kilometers (8-10 miles) with a loaded pack (11-14 kilos/ 25-30 lbs)

over the hilliest terrain a guest has access to is also an excellent training tool.

Time to basecamp on Whitney is 4-6 hours and time to the summit from basecamp is 4-6 hours.

Experience:

It can be accomplished by intermediate climbers in excellent physical condition and who has good rock climbing skills to able to follow 5.8 rock at altitude and have basic multi-pitch climbing experience. We do have a pre-climb rock clinic available the day prior to the climb at additional cost. Give us a call or email with additional questions.

About the guide

SWS

4.8

(28)

Mountain Guide

Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.

Languages

English

Certificates

IFMGA | AMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about SWS

Such a difficult, but the most amazing experience! Something you will never forget!

Had an amazing experience! What memories but must be honest, we were in over our head. Feel we were physically up to it but we went from sea level to 10,000 feet in 30 hours and it was a challenge to keep up. Some time to acclimate would have made a big difference. The guides were careful and supportive. We were outside our comfort zone for sure but also realize that made it so memorable!

Life changing experience!!

Excellent experience with my guide Ben and SWS. Was able to summit Mt Whitney via the mountaineer’s route thanks to Ben’s understanding of the mountain and assessment of my capabilities. Great experience that exceeded my expectations.