North Palisade, Mt Sill, Middle Palisade, Thunderbolt Peak
Sierra Nevada Climbing
Sierra 14ers
North Palisade - 14,248ft
$1,895.00 Per Person
1:2 Guide to Guest Ratio
3 day / 2 nights
North Palisade is the tallest peak in the Palisade group, offering a true classic in Sierra Nevada climbing. It’s a challenging alpine ascent via the U-Notch that requires both alpine ice and snow skill sets along with alpine rock-climbing ability. Several pitches of ice and snow topped off with two rock pitches make this an exceptional climb to an infrequently visited summit. Time allowing, and for those able, there may also be the opportunity to summit the lesser-known Polemonium Peak (14,080ft) that is climbed directly from the top of the U-Notch. This adds a unique and memorable bonus to this already spectacular climb in the high Sierra.
Mt Sill - 14,162ft
$1,895.00 Per Person
1:2 Guide to Guest Ratio
3 day / 2 nights
Mt Sill offers some of the most breathtaking summit views in the entire Sierra Nevada range. We believe this to be especially true for trips within the Palisades. The climb via the Swiss Arete combines excellent alpine rock with incredible scenery, creating a truly unique and memorable experience. Our three-day trip is ideal for climbers with a solid skill set and a basic climbing background. Guests will want to have strong physical conditioning and training for a climb of this level. While this climb does require some commitment, Mt Sill provides both challenging terrain and unparalleled vistas in the high Sierra making it well worth the effort.
Middle Palisade - 14,092ft
$1,895.00 Per Person
1:2 Guide to Guest Ratio
3 day / 2 nights
Middle Palisade is the 12th highest peak in California, located along the Palisade Crest just south of Norman Clyde Peak and Mt Sill. Its remote location makes it one of the least-climbed California Sierra 14ers, yet it offers some of the finest 3rd- and 4th-class routes of any of the Sierra Nevada climbs. Despite the limited traffic, Middle Palisade is well worth the effort. It combines a technical challenge with beautiful scenery and a true alpine experience that’s hard to find. The summit features a small block with views across the crest, stretching into Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.
We offer our standard 3 day climb, or you can arrange for a private-guided climb where you and your guide can complete your trip over a custom itinerary of 2 or 3 days.
Thunderbolt Peak - 14,009ft
$1,895.00 Per Person
1:2 Guide to Guest Ratio
3 day / 2 nights
Thunderbolt Peak, the last of the 14,000 ft. peaks climbed in the Sierra Nevada. Its dramatic history comes from the first ascent, when a bolt of lightning struck nearby during a storm, leaving one of the climbers shaken and giving the peak its name. The summit itself is a steep granite pillar, with free climbing rated at 5.8, offering both a technical challenge and a rewarding finish.
The approach follows the North Fork of Big Pine Creek to the base of the Palisade Glacier. On summit day, we’ll climb via the Thunderbolt Glacier, surmounting the bergschrund to reach the upper ridges, and make their way to the summit monolith. This classic climb combines glacier travel, alpine rock, and impressive scenery. All coming together making Thunderbolt Peak a highlight for experienced climbers seeking a classic Sierra Nevada climbing challenge.