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Palisades mountaineering camp, 5 days with 14,000′ summits in the Sierra Nevada, CA – Level II

Palisades mountaineering camp, 5 days with 14,000′ summits in the Sierra Nevada, CA – Level II | United States

Join the certified guides from SWS Mountain Guides as they lead you on this fun, exciting and educational 5-day Palisades mountaineering camp, where you will learn more advanced skills and techniques to improve your mountaineering, all in the grand setting of 14,000 ft. + high summits in the Sierra Nevada, California.

Private and Group

Sierra Nevada (California)

5 Days

Aug, Sep

Fit

Intermediate


Highlights

* Learn advanced mountaineering skills in the Palisades in California!

* Take in the beautiful views out over the Californian countryside

* Test your newfound skills on the numerous 14,000 ft. + peaks

Description

Join me on this thrilling and enjoyable Palisades mountaineering camp, and over the course of 5 days we take your mountaineering to the next level, as we teach the advanced skills and techniques needed to conquer high and challenging mountains, all while putting them in to practice on the myriad of 14,000 ft. + peaks that make up this area of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, with sumptuous views over the Californian countryside guaranteed.

The Palisades are a group of mountain peaks nestled within the Sierra Nevada mountain range in California, often containing steep and rugged terrain. It has the highest concentration of 14,000 ft. mountains in the Sierra Nevada, and is considered one of the best alpine climbing spots in California.

We will meet in the city of Big Pine, and from there we head in to the mountains to begin our expedition.

Initially we will briefly cover the basics of mountaineering, most which were covered in our Level 1 course, before turning our attention to intermediate to advanced skills and techniques.

Over the course of 5 days you will be learning about protection placement, route finding, route selection, planning for the climb, alpine rock climbing, ice/snow climbing, crampon use, snow & ice hardware, protection systems, and multi-pitch climbing.

We will frequently be putting these skills and techniques to use on the towering and majestic peaks that surround us, with the best options available to us being North Palisade (14,242 ft.), Mt. Sill (14,153 ft.), Thunderbolt Peak (14,003 ft.) and Polemonium Peak (14,080 ft.).

The views from each mountain are sublime, with the vast and spectacular California countryside stretching far out in to the distance, with the other peaks of the Sierra Nevada looming large above it all.

By the end of the 5 days you should have the confidence and ability to mountaineer on almost any mountain, no matter the size or difficulty, and also gained a new appreciation for this beautiful region of California.

Take your mountaineering to the next level in the spectacular Palisades – book now!

To cover easier and more basic mountaineering skills, check out our 5-day Mountaineering camp in the Palisades (Sierra Nevada), near Big Pine, CA – Level I, here!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

Price details

Price is per person in a group. Maximum group size of 4.


Itinerary

Day 1 to 5: Meet, Mountaineer, Finish

  • Meet in Big Pine, California

  • Learn advanced mountaineering skills and techniques

  • Put these in to practice on the peaks of the Palisades

  • Finish on day 5

 

Details

More info

Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced mountaineering experience needed. Or completion of our Palisade Mountain Camp 1 or equivalent course or experience.

Meeting point

Big Pine, California, USA

About the guide

Guide profile image

SWS

4.70

(24)

Mountain Guide

Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.

Languages

English

Certificates

IFMGA | AMGA

Request more information

What people are saying about SWS

Magdalena

5.00

This was an amazing trip and overall super positive experience with SWS Mountain Guides. I had a great guide with lots of mountain experience and many cool stories to share!

Osly

3.00

Overall, the fair evaluation for the SWS Mountain Guides and the guide assigned to me is 3 stars. Reasons: 1. The guide did not seem to remember or respect the fact that I was new to mountaineering and that the name of program is called “introduction to mountaineering...”. For example, the guide set his own time for walking and resting without any concern to my physical ability for that timing. The guide walked ahead many times and didn’t even notice when I fell a few times. I understand the guide is not the insurer of safety or a hand holder, but a complete abrasive approach to the service is not right, especially when it’s a paid service. Perhaps, the guide is not a right choice for introduction tours. 2. There was a miscommunication with timing of the summit day. I thought we would start summiting around 5am the next day; however, I was told less than 15 hours before that we would start hiking at 1am the next day from base camp. We arrived at base camp early afternoon, and I’m wired up, hot, and not prepared to fall asleep between 5pm-12am, thus, I didn’t sleep at all. I attempted the summit hike but around 12k feet the sleep deprivation was killing me and I was catching myself falling asleep and my body trying to lay down while waking. The guide didn’t seem to concerned about this. Lack of empathy. Eventually, I had to insist we turn around because I didn’t want to go beyond 30 hours of no sleep and still have to descend from the summit. 3. The guide did help set up the tent and food. The guide did explain layers of clothes on and off and why. The guide did help instruct how to pack and why. 4. Overall, I feel this guide is best suited for advanced climbers not introduction courses as he seems to be more of a “ill walk ahead of you” not “ill walk with you” type of guide.

5.00

Had an amazing experience climbing Mt. Whitney with Richard & Tim. They were excellent guides and safely got us to the summit and back.

5.00

Neil from SWS was amazing. We climbed the Mountaineering Route up to Mt. Whitney. It was an amazing experience. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I leaned a lot. I would absolutely use these guys again.

5.00

Too bad this review does not allow six stars. SWS is professional, client focused, flexible, and has the clients best interests in mind. I can say the personnel and leadership skills of the SWS guides are among the best. You can't go wrong with SWS.


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