Eastside Rock Climbing
The Eastern Sierra is a hugely diverse rock climbing playground. You can be climbing granite cracks in the morning and pulling on volcanic pockets in the afternoon. Sunny skies, perfect temps, and the best rock in the world- you'll see why we love climbing on the Eastside.
Under construction are pages dedicated to each climbing area, as well as the Eastside Bouldering page. This site is not intended to replace any of the great resources that are already out there. Its intent is to provide a hub to all the exisitng resources!
Key Climbing Areas
Crystal Crag
This formation overlooks the Mammoth Lakes Basin and is a great introduction to Sierra alpine climbing. The route follows a clean natural line to a beautiful, exposed rib of quartz crystal that highlights the summit. This is not only an interesting geologic formation but a great climb.
Clarks Canyon
This climbing area east and north of Mammoth Lakes about 45 minutes offers fun, moderate, single pitch climbing for the whole family. Most routes range from 5.5 to 5.10 with lots of volcanic tuff pockets that resemble a jungle gym. Kids do well here and the whole family or larger groups can enjoy a relaxing day at the crag with only a ten minute hike from the car and numerous routes for everyone to enjoy with wonderful views of the Sierra. It is a great place to learn to rock climb. There is also good, free camping nearby under cottonwoods and aspen trees that are beautiful in the fall.
Rock Creek
Iris Slab, Gong Show, Patricia Bowl, these are only a few the offerings that rock creek boasts. If you love splitter granite and endless face climbs you have to check rock creek out and much much more!!!!
Owens River Gorge
This is the sport climbing Mecca of the Eastern Sierra with long, challenging routes rating from 5.7 to 5.13. The climbs ascend vertical or gently overhanging volcanic tuff with holds ranging from rounded edges to pockets, crimps and plates. The best seasons are the spring and fall, yet winter can be warm in the sun and the summer cool in the shade. The Owens River, which was dammed by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and has now been restored supports a lively riparian habitat including good fishing and birding. The sound of the gurgling river and the sweet song of the Canyon Wren, while getting pumped makes the glory of the Gorge.
Whitney Portal
The Whitney portal is often overlooked as a climbing area. Overshadowed by Mt. Whitney it’s easy to miss these classic granite climbs. Premier Buttress is a great tune up climb for the East Buttress or East Face of Whitney. You could easily spend a week here and only scratch the surface. The recently released Bishop Area Rock Climbs guide book showcases 100 routes on some of the regions best granite.
Alabama Hills
The Alabama Hills, locasted just west of Lone Pine, gather their name from a Confederate warship responsible for wreaking havoc to northern shipping during the Civil War. Prospectors sympathetic to the Confederate cause named their mining claims after the Alabama and eventually the name stuck to these unique hills. Guide book author Marty Lewis desicribes he Alabama Hills as "the ultimate lazy man's crag. Stacks of easy to moderate routes are often found mere feet from parking spots." Most of the climbing is concentrated in north and east-facing box canyons on Joshua tree-like rock. The process of case hardening has produced a smooth surface on the rock. Add a little erosion and you get chickenheads, overhanging jug hauls, thin edging and friction.