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Bear Creek Spire from the North

Bear Creek Spire (13,713 ft.)
Northeast Ridge - III, 5.5 North Arete - III, 5.8

Bear Creek Spire is an amazing high peak on the Sierra Crest, located at the head of the Rock Creek drainage. It is striking from all sides and has two classic routes that every Sierra mountaineer should experience, all the way to the top of an exciting summit block. They are the Northeast Ridge and the North Arete. The Northeast ridge is a long, moderate ridge climb with a few technical moments. A great initiation into Sierra alpine climbing and an extremely fun and exciting route. The North Arete is steeper and more sustained with a higher level of technical climbing required. A beautiful and striking feature that makes a great way to climb the peak for a more experienced and able climber.

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information

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TRIP ITINERARY: Bear Creek Spire

DAY 1

Meet for breakfast at Tom's Place and do a final pack check. Drive up the Rock Creek Canyon to the top of the road at Mosquito Flat (10,000 ft.). This is where the approach begins. We hike until we arrive at a beautiul camp near Dade Lake.

DAY 2

 

Finish the approach in the alpenglow and climb the Northeast Ridge or the North Arete. Summit the spire and descend by the 3rd class route to camp. Hike back to the trailhead and celebrate the success of the trip.

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Prerequisites:

  • Prior wilderness camping experience

  • Excellent physical fitness and stamina

  • Prior multi-pitch climbing experience to either 5.6 or 5.8, and comfortable climbing these grades at altitude

Additional Information
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TRIP DETAILS

2013 Dates:

Custom Dates

Trip Length:
2 days

Trip Difficulty:
NE Ridge - Level 2

N Arete - Level 2.5

Cost:
Custom Rates

Recommended Prior SMG Programs:

Crystal Crag

Mt. Russell- East Ridge

Recommended Follow-up SMG Programs:

Cardinal Pinnacle
Temple Crag-Venusian Blind Arete

Mt Sill- Swiss Arete