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Banner Peak Climb
$995
Dates
- July 4-6 | July 19-21 | August 8-10 | August 23-25
Mount Ritter and Banner Peak in Mammoth Lakes dominate the northern Sierra skyline. This area offers a perfect introduction to the pleasures of Sierra peak climbing as the terrain does not exceed third class. John Muir first ventured here in 1872 and we follow his footsteps into mountains little changed since his days here.
Inclusions
Price includes guiding, permits, tents, kitchen gear, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We bring delicious, healthy meals on all of our trips!
Prerequisites
No prior mountaineering experience is required but you should have some backpacking and hiking experience. You should be in good physical condition, ready to hike up to 8 miles off trail with a day pack at altitude. Review our Fitness, Training, and Acclimatization Tips in the “Resources” tab.
Acclimatization & Physical Training
For proper acclimatization, we suggest spending at least one night at a moderate altitude, higher than 8,000 feet, just prior to the start of the journey. See our detailed tips on acclimatizing and physical training in the “Resources” tab.
Day 1
After a gear check, we hike around 8 miles to camp. The San Joaquin River from Agnew Meadows to beautiful Thousand Island Lake climbs gently but steadily. We set up our camp on the northern shore of Thousand Island Lake, where we will base ourselves for the remaining days.
Distance: 7.75 miles, 2200 feet of gain, 700 feet of loss
Day 2: Summit Day
We wake up early and begin hiking through meadows, grassy slopes and talus fields as we make our way towards lake Catherine. We skirt the lake and, donning crampons and pulling out an ice axe, climb an easy glacial slope to the spectacular Ritter-Banner Saddle. Above this the route to the summit appears steep and difficult, but in reality we weave our way around the hard sections and scramble up a final small rock slope to the summit and its spectacular views. We return to camp the way we ascended.
Camp to Summit & back: 7.0 miles, 3400 of gain, 3400 feet of loss. The summit of Mt. Banner is 12,942’ (3945m).
Day 3
After enjoying breakfast under the shadows of Banner Peak, we pack up and hike out to the trailhead.
Camp to trailhead: 7.75 miles, 700 feet of gain, 2200 feet of loss
Rental Equipment
We have rental equipment available at checkout.
Reviews
Jason, Palisase Traverse
“What a fantastic trip put together for us by the Sierra Mountain Center. From the start Emma was fantastic and professional in the coordination efforts for our Palisade Traverse trip. My son and I had a 1:1 guide ratio and the guides, Dave Stimson and Tyler Logan, were exceptional. Exceptional in their knowledge of the route, their efficiency with rope craft and their trailside manner – despite the exhausting climb we had such a fun time. We are already planning next year’s outing with SMC.”
More Reviews
Chris, Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer’s Route
“I went on the Mt Whitney via the mountaineers route with Sierra Mountain Center. Our guide Louie made sure we were safe while helping us reach our goal of getting to the summit. Everything was explained clearly beforehand. I’ve never done rock climbing before and Louie did a great job of providing the needed instruction and coaching. Best of the best – highly recommended!”
Fred, Mt. Whitney via the East Buttress
“Used SMC for a climb of the East Buttress of Mt. Whitney June 17, 2024. Great experience all the way around. Dave was my guide and I highly recommend choosing them for your Sierra adventure!”
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