Home / All Programs / Alpine Climbing & Mountaineering / Mt. Williamson and Mt. Tyndall
Mt. Williamson and Mt. Tyndall
$1,695


Dates
- July 11-14 | August 1-4 | August 22-25 | September 12-15 | September 26-29
Mt. Williamson (14,375 feet) is the second highest peak in California behind Mt. Whitney (14,505 feet). The few feet it lacks in elevation it more than makes up for in difficulty and the work involved to climb it. There are no easy ways up this peak, nor are there any easy ways up Mt. Tyndall (14,015 feet), Williamson’s neighbor just to the west. The good news is that both these peaks are much less often climbed than their higher companion to the south (Whitney) and both offer astounding views and an enjoyable amount of moderate mountaineering. Mt. Williamson’s west face route is primarily class two and three, but just below the summit plateau, a short steep headwall blocks the way. A short rope length takes us through this and on to the summit. We descend the same way.
Mt. Tyndall is a far more graceful peak than its neighbor and our chosen route, the Northwest Ridge, is a perfect fourth class ridge. Often in the Sierra, the easier routes tend to be loose and mainly covered in talus. This ridge, however, offers great scrambling over huge blocks and narrow ridge traverses on wonderful rock.
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.
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 meet in Independence at 7.00 a.m. and after a pack check, start the long steady approach climb up and over Shepherd Pass to a camp just west of the pass. The trailhead is one of the lowest in the Eastern Sierra and the trail to the pass is about ten miles long. Once at the pass, we set up a basecamp adjacent to Summit Lake under the eastern slopes of Mt. Tyndall. The trailhead is at 6,400 feet and the pass is 12,030 feet. Plus we have to drop 550 feet when crossing over from Symmes Creek to Shepherd Creek.
Day 2
We head off to Mt. Williamson. We have to climb up and drop down into Williamson Bowl and its small lakes (For the fishermen among you, one of the lower lakes is the only stock of pure Colorado cutthroat that were transplanted here in the 1930’s to avoid cross breeding with other species which has occurred in their native habitat.). We have to negotiate complex terrain around the lakes and then head up towards the rock band mentioned. Once through this, the summit is 10 minutes off. We descend the same way back to camp.
Day 3
We head off to Mt. Tyndall and this is not such a long day as Mt. Williamson. We plan to climb the Northwest Ridge. We will ascend narrow ridges and climb over large rocky steps to reach the summit. We will descend the class 3 North Rib, which was the original ascent route in 1864 (by Clarence King and Richard Cotter).
Day 4
We pack up camp and descend the trail back to the parking lot where we hope to arrive early in the afternoon. Even as a hike out downhill, it is still a long day and there is the 550 foot climb back out of Shepherd Creek (did we mention this before?).
Distances and Elevations
Trailhead to Summit Lake Camp: 11 miles, 6550’ of gain, 700’ of descent
Summit Lake Camp to Williamson and return: 6 miles, 3300’ of gain and descent
Summit Lake Camp to Tyndall and return: 3 miles, 2100’ of gain and descent
Summit Lake Camp to trailhead: 11 miles, 700’ of gain, 6550’ of descent
These are big days indeed so come fit and prepared!
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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