BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resupplies Details Resources Experience the John Muir Trail: A Journey Through California’s Wilderness The John Muir Trail is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier wilderness hikes—a true bucket list adventure. Starting near Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, our route takes you on a … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Embark on our “Introduction to Backpacking Trip,” crafted to offer a transformative wilderness adventure while equipping you with the essential skills to become a self-sufficient backpacker. Our journey unfolds along the Thousand Island Lake Loop, nestled near the charming town of Mammoth Lakes. Here, amidst the Sierra’s enchanting landscape, … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This route includes the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, and the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US! We start at the Cottonwood Pass trailhead and finish at the Shepard Pass trailhead. We will pick you up at the end of the trip … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. The full hike reaches about 200 miles from Yosemite National Park to the high point of the lower forty-eight states, Mount Whitney, and takes about 20 days. This four day segment of … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This six-day segment of the John Muir Trail takes us through some of the most beautiful portions of the JMT. This hike has a little of everything, a wide river valley, a high pass crossing, great views, stunningly beautiful lakes, and jagged peaks. This trip can be made in … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Temple Crag stands as a magnificent natural wonder right in the heart of Big Pine’s stunning landscape. This iconic rock formation attracts outdoor enthusiasts, including avid rock climbers and hikers, all year round. Our adventure kicks off at Glacier Lodge, where we embark on a picturesque hike following the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The awe-inspiring Paiute Pass to Pine Creek route, affectionately known as the Sky Marathon, spans a magnificent 26 miles of alpine lakes, rugged granite peaks, and vast open meadows. If you’ve ever set foot in Bishop, California, you’ve undoubtedly been captivated by the majestic Bishop skyline, which proudly showcases … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The Evolution Loop begins at the Bishop Pass trailhead and ends at the Piute Pass trailhead. This 54-mile loop packs in many of our favorite spots. We hike over Bishop Pass and enter Kings Canyon National Park. Then we drop into Le Conte Canyon and meet up with the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources 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 … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Death Valley is one of three National Parks near Bishop, but also one of the lesser known and lesser visited ones. This National Park offers superb desert hiking into shaded canyons where roses grow and unique species such as pupfish live. Deeply eroded canyons with polished limestone grottos lead … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Mount Langley, at 14,042 feet, is the southernmost of the California fourteen thousand-foot peaks. We love this hike you will achieve a beautiful summit, but no technical climbing experience is required. The ascent from the Cottonwood Lakes Basin is straightforward. Much elevation is gained via a trail before a talus … Read more
Contact Dates We are able to apply for Half Dome permits, six months in advance of our desired trip dates. We will do our best to secure permits for June-October. We will post dates here once they are secured. If you want to get on our Half Dome call list, contact us and we will … Read more
Book Now Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Blue Lake is a beautiful location to set up a basecamp and explore the area. This trip leaves from Sabrina Lake and climb up to Blue Lake and the surrounding basin. You could spend your time lounging by the lake or take a day hike from camp on the … Read more
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Contact Private and Custom Guiding Rates Number of participants Day Trips Overnights Extreme Days 1 $535 $595 $675 2 $350 $380 $480 3 $250 $280 $360 4 $180 $230 $300 Overview Resources Our team is here to help you plan a custom itinerary. Whether you are looking for a short day of climbing, or 26 … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources In the Sierra Nevada, river crossings can pose challenges, even on well-traveled trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and John Muir Trail (JMT). River crossing skills are crucial for both novice hikers and experienced mountaineers. We will teach you skills needed to feel comfortable executing a safe … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Learn to travel safely on snow using crampons, ice axes, and microspikes. Prepare for high passes and steep snow slopes on the JMT or PCT. Self-arrest, crampon techniques, and the ability to make informed decisions regarding conditions are crucial skills in the Sierra. The high passes of the John … Read more
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Colin grew up hiking and camping via family vacations and the Boy Scouts across 15+ national parks. He still remembers the nervous exhilaration he had when his parents let him and his brothers do the exposed hike up Angels Landing in Zion National Park by themselves. When he joined the military after high school, he thought he would need to largely leave the outdoors behind. He was wrong. As part of his training, he got the opportunity to take part in two month-long NOLS courses mountaineering in Alaska and instead discovered a passion for big adventure and challenge in the mountains. After eight years on active duty and multiple deployments as a Marine Infantry Officer, Colin transitioned to reserve status in 2022 to pursue a career in mountain guiding and moved to Bishop after unintentionally falling head over heels for the Eastern Sierra during a weekend trip. He improved his skill sets as a client of fellow SMC guides Tyler Logan and Louie Allen before earning professional certification from the AMGA and NOLS to begin working as a guide/instructor in 2023. He is proud to now be in the position to call them both colleagues and also help others achieve their goals or experience the outdoors in more meaningful ways. His first love is to climb in the alpine regardless of the medium (rock, snow, or ice), though be assured, he isn’t picky and believes strongly that any day spent outside, no matter the activity or difficulty, is better than a day spent indoors.
Beyond the Eastern Sierra, he teaches three to four multi-week NOLS backpacking and rock climbing courses per year across various locations in Alaska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. When not guiding/instructing anywhere, he works as the Online Sales Manager for Eastside Sports in Bishop, CA; actively serves on the Inyo County Search & Rescue team which covers missions everywhere from Death Valley to Mt Whitney; and, conducts ~6 weeks of reserve duty with the Marine Corps each year.
Allen Giernet grew up in San Diego and always had a thirst for the outdoors. Whether in the mountains, the ocean, or the desert – he had to be outside. After several years running the youth snowboard competition team at Mountain High, his longing to get into the peaks beyond the resorts took him into splitboarding. This in turn took him into the Sierras, The Rockies, The Cascades, and more. In 2010, he began teaching rock climbing as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor in Joshua Tree and other So Cal Areas. In 2012, he founded So Cal Snow Avalanche Center, began teaching avalanche courses with the National Ski Patrol, and began to guide on splitboard.
He has traveled all over the west and beyond in search of great climbing and big snow covered mountains to find powder filled descents. But the magical Eastern Sierra will always hold a special place in his heart.
Allen currently calls Methow, Washington home in the North Cascades and still spends time in So Cal. He ski guides and teaches avalanche courses in The Eastern Sierra, Colorado, and the North Cascades. That thirst for the outdoors remains unquenched and Allen loves to share this enthusiasm with anyone and everyone out there. When not out in the mountains searching for the next descent, hiking, biking or paddling, he may be found running The Methow Store with his partner in the Methow Valley. Serving up cold beer and great food next to the best put in on the Methow River.
An enthusiasm for backpacking was Ian’s gateway into the mountains and soon led to a love of climbing. After cutting his teeth on the rock and ice crags of New England he traveled all over the country making ascents of everything from short roadside rock climbs to big peaks in remote areas. Over a decade ago he discovered that the Eastern Sierra hold a magical mix of amazing mountains and climbing, easy access, and good weather. Now this place is home for him and his family.
Though he loves all kinds of climbing, big walls and winter routes hold a special place in Ian’s heart. He rounds out the year with forays to Alaska, Red Rocks, Joshua Tree, Moab, the North Cascades, and Canada.
Mike is originally from Pennsylvania where he learned to ski on the icy mountains of the Northeast. He moved to Northern California soon after high school and received degrees in Outdoor Adventure Education from Feather River College and later Southern Oregon university. He has worked in outdoor education for over 15 years, leading wilderness education expeditions all across the world and the American west. Mike currently ski guides and teaches avalanche education courses in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He loves to ski steep narrow couloirs on warm sunny days in the Sierras! When not guiding on skis, Mike can be found kayaking the rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Heather grew up in the Bay Area and has many fond memories of backpacking and camping in the Sierra as a kid. She moved up to Oregon to attend Lewis & Clark College and obtained a degree in Environmental Studies focusing on education and food systems. While living up in Oregon Heather fell in love with the Cascades and began guiding her peers on backpacking trips, cross-country skiing and even local mushroom foregoing. Following her passion for guiding and the outdoors she spent the summers guiding children on backpacking trips and adults in sea kayaking. Heather enjoyed living in the Portland area, skiing on Mount Hood and doing lots of cycling but eventually she decided it was time to come back to sunny California. For the past couple of years she has been spending summers and fall in California guiding students in backpacking, river trips and day hikes. She is excited about guiding backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra this summer. Heather is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer.
Robert “SP” Parker, hails from the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand. His journey into the realm of mountaineering began during his days at the University of Auckland, where he delved into the world of climbing alongside the university tramping club (akin to “backpacking” for our American counterparts).
He relocated to Yosemite Valley in 1979. He traveled the US climbing in all the great places: Yosemite, Tuolumne, Colorado, Joshua Tree, Devils Tower, Canada. In 1996, he joined forces with Todd Vogel to found Sierra Mountain Center. SP has over 40 years of full-time professional mountain guiding experience. He has earned IFMGA certification in Rock, Ski, and Alpine disciplines and has served as a past director of the AMGA.
As the torch of ownership at SMC passes into the capable hands of Emma, his passion for guiding in the breathtaking Sierra region continues to burn bright, and he eagerly supports Emma in her new role.
Larry is a native of the New Jersey shore. Raised as an ocean lover, Larry spent his early days surfing and being in the water as much as he could. Through an active involvement in scouting, as well as an adventurous friend group, Larry found a passion for the mountains. Naturally, this passion had him trade his surfboard for a snowboard, and he went west! Larry graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in Environmental Studies as well as Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation. In Colorado, he fell more in love with the mountains. After graduating, Larry moved to Alaska to explore the wilderness of the last frontier through backpack and canoe guiding. When COVID struck and found Larry abroad in Central America, he came back to the states hoping to get back to Alaska, but discovered the Sierra along the way. And the high peaks and the fairer climate of California was as far as he made it. Larry now resides here in Bishop, where he spends his time exploring the mountains via roped climbing, splitboarding, and hiking. When not guiding, Larry enjoys traveling and climbing the high, glaciated peaks of Central and South America. Larry’s favorite trip to lead in the Sierra is the Bishop to Mammoth backpack as the variety of the terrain offers tremendous opportunities for natural and human history studies! Larry holds a certification as a Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Trainer, and a AIARE Level I.
Louie began guiding with Sierra Mountain Center in 2015 after falling in love with the people and places of Bishop, CA, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. He grew up climbing and backpacking in the southeastern US and moved West to pursue bigger mountainous terrain. He is a passionate and dedicated climber in all of its forms and has backpacked extensively across the Sierra. It is a joy for him to share his favorite peaks and trails with visitors. Louie is an equal-opportunity cookie lover and die-hard Cincinnati Bengals football fan. He travels to the eastern US often in order to pursue world-class rock and ice climbs, but always finds his way back to the Sierra.
Louie is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and is pursuing Alpine Guide certification. He holds an MS in Recreation and Sport Sciences and a Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching. He works as a guide, strength trainer, and climbing coach to help developing climbers and hikers achieve meaningful goals in the mountains.
Anouk grew up on the glaciers and peaks of Switzerland where her family is from and currently resides. Anouk has had an appreciation for the elevated outdoors from an early age. She has lived in Europe, America’s east coast, and finally, she came to the west coast in her teens, and never left. Even though she calls the Eastern Sierra her home, she began her guiding career in the Pacific Northwest, where she worked on glaciated peaks such as Mt Rainier and Mt Baker, and rock guided during the summers. However, having learned to rock climb in California and frequenting the Eastern Sierra during her years living in Los Angeles, she ultimately returned to California eight years ago and has been guiding here year round. In the summers, Anouk guides rock and alpine trips, and during the winter seasons, she ski guides and teaches avalanche courses. She sees her guide work as a way to increase and infuse passion and knowledge into the outdoor community – her way of giving back after having been fortunate enough to receive solid mentorship during her initial years climbing in California.
Anouk is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Apprentice Ski Guide, and Apprentice Alpine Guide, as well as an AIARE avalanche course leader and AAI course leader.
Dave is originally from Alberta, Canada, but has traded in his Canadian passport for his American one, lured by clean Sierra granite and perfect California weather. He graduated from Mount Royal University in 2007 with an undergrad in Ecotourism & Outdoor Leadership and has been working ever since as a ski patroller and avalanche forecaster in Canada during the winters. Dave has been climbing since 2003 and has climbed in Squamish, the Canadian Rockies, The Bugaboos, the Tetons, Red Rock, Indian Creek and Peru, to name a few destinations. His first time climbing in California was in 2103 in Yosemite Valley and was instantly in love. He has been with the SMC team since 2015 and is excited to continue climbing and guiding in the Range of Light.
Dave holds a Wilderness First Responder certification, and a Canadian Avalanche Association Level 2. He began the AMGA program in 2014 and has become a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.
Emma joined the Sierra Mountain Center team in early 2021 as the Program Director. Fast forward almost three years, and she has now taken the reins, becoming the proud owner of the company previously helmed by the legendary Robert “SP” Parker. Emma is passionate about making the marvels of the mountains accessible to individuals of all skill levels. Emma grew up backpacking and skiing in the western Sierra Nevada, where her personal connection to these majestic landscapes began. While attending college in Oregon she discovered rock climbing and skiing touring, which ultimately led her to the Eastern Sierra. Emma is ready to carry forward the rich legacy established by SP back in the 1990s, eager to nurture and expand upon the successes of the company.
Barb began working for SMC in the summer of 2016 as a backpacking and climbing guide. After 4 summers, she began working as an adaptive sports instructor and program coordinator with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra in Mammoth Lakes. Fast forward to 2024 and Barb is back in the office at SMC. She enjoys organizing all the trip details and other behind-the-scenes tasks to help guests get outside and enjoy the Eastern Sierra. She has always been involved in the outdoors in a variety of ways: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, running, and more. Moving to the Eastern Sierra was a great choice!