Technical Difficulty (Class):
 
Mountain Skill Rating:
Physical Condition:
Client/Guide Ratio: 2:1
Includes:
Guides climbing and safety gear, climbing helmet (reservation required).
Does not include:
Personal items on gear list.
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Bear Creek Spire (13,720'), NE Ridge, Class 4/5.4 2 Day
The Northeast Ridge is a forgotten classic. It's another route first climbed by Norman Clyde in 1932. The route has excellent High Sierra rock and maintains an airy setting with spectacular views on both sides.
Cost:
$650 ea/2 people, $980 for 1 person
Dates:
Aug 26-27, 2017 (Sat-Sun)
Sep 9-10, 2017 (Sat-Sun)
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The Approach:
From the trailhead at Little Lakes Valley (10,255'), an easy follow and pleasant trail leads past a string of beautiful lakes to Gem Lakes. From here, the route steepens cross country to Dade Lake (11,600'), the best place to camp if doing the route in two days.
The Climb:
From Dade Lake, we continue cross country to "Peppermint Pass" (12,360'), the start of the sweeping Northeast Ridge. While ascending the breathtaking ridge, it not only steepens but the rock quality continues to improve as we ascend. About halfway, we pass a prominant tower on its left side then climb class 4 rock directly on the crest of the ridge until it intersects the final section of the North Arête. The final exiting traverse ends with an exposed bouldering-like move to the summit.
The Descent:
From near the summit, a steep rappell is practical before the class 2 descent of the remainder of the Ulrichs Route, then back to Dade Lake. Frim here, we retrace our original approach route.
Preparation:
At least one day of acclimatization to 8,000' or higher is recommended. Prepare for a variety of terrain from class 1-4, including a steep rappell off the summit.
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