Mt. Whitney guided climbs. Mt. Whitney is the highest mountain in the contiguous 48 states (14,505′, 4421m) and one of the most sought after peaks in the United States. We climb Mt. Whitney by several routes throughout the year and each trip offers a unique experience with its own set of mountaineering skills.
Mt. Whitney Guided Climbs: The Mountaineers Route
Mt. Whitney guided climbs via the Mountaineers Route. The Mountaineers Route is a fun scramble during the summer and fall. The route is rated class 3, meaning it requires the use of hands and feet, but no previous training or experience in rock climbing is required to climb this route with us. A rope is used for safety and security so climbers can focus on the route and enjoy the breathtaking setting.
During the winter and spring this route turns into a glorious snow climb requiring the use of ice axe and crampons while being roped up. The spectacular setting and stunning views around the Sierra make this a true mountaineering classic and a magnificent way to climb Mt. Whitney. See our Snow Travel School and Mountaineering Skills Seminar offerings to learn and practice skills used on these climbs. View photo galleries of a summer and winter climb!
Mt. Whitney Rock Climbing Routes
The East Face and East Buttress routes are two of the finest alpine climbs in the United States. SMI offers Mt. Whitney guided climbs on both of these classic routes. The rock is superb white Sierra granite. The difficulty rating is 5.7. The East Buttress is a bit more direct and sustained at the grade. The East Face covers a little more terrain and includes the classic pitches of the Fresh Air Traverse, Tower Traverse, and Grand Staircase. You can’t go wrong with either route and many folks return to climb the route they didn’t choose on their first visit. See our Rock Climbing School offerings to learn skills used to climb technical routes on Mt. Whitney and many other Sierra Classics. View a photo gallery from a climb of Mt. Whitney’s East Face here. Read a blog post about a trip up both climbs here.
Join us for one of these climbs and learn why Mt. Whitney continues to be a favorite among our guides!
