Home / All Programs / Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering / The California Fourteeners
The California Fourteeners
$1,695
Dates
- May 23-26 | June 13-16 | June 27-30 | July 18-21 | August 1-4 | August 22-25 | September 5-8 | September 19-22
There are fifteen peaks in California that exceed fourteen thousand feet in height, and most of them are in our backyard. This trip ascends a couple of the Palisade 14ers. We will choose between Thunderbolt, Sill, Starlight, North Palisade, or Polemonium peaks and ascend two or three of these peaks during this trip.
We’ll establish our high-altitude base camp, strategically perched above the breathtaking Palisade and Dusy Basins, nestled at Thunderbolt Col. Here, we’ll immerse ourselves in the wilderness for three nights, dedicating the next two days to ascending the towering peaks. While the climbing is not technically difficult it does require stamina and fitness. The technical crux of several of these mountains is the tiny summit block, but with a pair of rock shoes, you will be standing on the very top of the Sierra’s most spectacular peaks.
For North Palisade we generally choose the Le Conte route, first ascended by Joseph Le Conte in 1903. This involves a spectacular and exciting traverse across a steep slab. From North Palisade we can traverse to Polemonium, which from the top of the U-Notch offers low fifth class climbing for two hundred feet to the summit and a rappel descent. The climb of Thunderbolt starts directly from camp at Thunderbolt Col and ascends a steep snow gully to the crest before tackling the summit block via a well-protected fifth class face.
Starlight is perhaps the most involved with a devious climb of the west chute to the “Milkbottle” summit and the various rope shenanigans necessary to reach this. From camp, Mount Sill is perhaps the easiest peak to climb in the technical sense, but involves a long approach around the head of Palisade Basin to the low angle class two slopes of the west side, making for a very long day.
All peaks require roped travel and possibly the use of crampons and ice axes. Summit blocks include 5th class climbing.
Prerequisites
Technical climbing skills are not required but prior backpacking experience is required as is experience at altitudes above 12,000’. This is a physically demanding trip and you should be in good condition and have the ability to traverse broken, uneven slopes with a moderately heavy pack. Prior rock climbing experience will enhance your comfort level.
Inclusions
Price includes guiding, permits, group climbing gear, tents, kitchen gear, breakfasts, and dinners (you bring lunches, hot/cold drinks, and snack items).
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
We will meet in Bishop, then caravan to the South Lake trailhead and head for Bishop Pass. Once we reach the pass, we leave the trail and contour around to reach Thunderbolt Col. This will take most of the day and travel here can be difficult with some large talus to cross. We can camp at the Col or we can drop down to a small tarn a few hundred feet below. (This is the place to be if the weather is unfavorable since the Col, while beautiful, is very exposed to bad weather and wind).
Distance: 7.5 miles, 3300 feet of gain, 750 feet of loss
Days 2 & 3
These days are similar in that they share an early start for any of the attractive objectives in the area, described above. Each day we plan to return to the same basecamp at/near Thunderbolt Col.
Day 4
We pack up and head out, aiming for a mid afternoon arrival back at the vehicles.
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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