Here we take a minor trail up Treasure Lakes Gully to stunningly beautiful Treasure Lakes. We take a break here and then climb over a small dome and drop down to our camp at Dade Lake at 11,500 and a little over four miles from the roadhead.
In the morning we have a little less than a mile and a bit over 1000 feet, the final short section over a small snowfield take us to the start of the climbing. Just before the snowfield there is a small moraine where we can leave extra equipment so that we do not have to climb right up to the base when we return.
North Arête:
Two days, 5.8, Intermediate
This is certainly the classic rock climb of the Rock Creek Region. A beautiful hike in, excellent climbing, and a tiny summit with a great view combine to make the climb one of the "must do" routes of the Eastern Sierra.
Most of the climbing on the initial part of the Arête is 5.7. About half way up a short steep area is reached and is passed via a 5.8 chimney/crack pitch. An interesting pitch with a tunnel move follows and leads to easier terrain that is mostly fourth class. We move off the summit ridge onto the west side briefly before the final 40 feet to the top. The actual summit is typical of many a Sierra peak. A monolithic block with no cracks and exposed. Luckily the summit register is below this final obstacle and unless you're really adventurous you might need to satisfy yourself with touching the true high point with a hand, rather than standing on the top. Descent begins with one long rappel and then a simple scramble back to the base. Usually there is quite a bit of easy snow on the return - plan on bringing gaiters and having damp boots by the time we reach the talus below.
North-east Ridge:
The North East Ridge: Two days, 5.4, Beginner
This is yet another Norman Clyde Classic and a great way to the top of Bear Creek. The climbing is a lot easier than the North Arête, which it joins a few hundred feet below the summit
From the moraine we turn left and head over to Peppermint Col at just below 13,000' and overlooking beautiful Spire Lake in the Pine Creek drainage. We rope up here and move through increasingly difficult third and fourth class terrain as the ridge gradually steepens and becomes more and more narrow. Occasional belays and easy stretches make up the rhythm of the climb for most its length. The upper ridge is certainly exposed, but the views over the valleys and desert should be more than enough to distract you. We do the same maneuvers to gain the tiptop and descend the same way as the North Arête
Notes
  The best guidebooks are Supertopo's “High Sierra Climbing” by Chris McNamara. and Peter Croft's “The Good, The Great, and the Awesome”.
Get them from Maximus Press.
We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000') just prior to the trip. Spending a night in Mammoth or camped at the trailhead campground in Rock Creek Canyon would do the trick. You could also stay at Rock Creek Lodge. Please refer to our Planning for Success info sheet for more info.
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Physical difficulty
