What a fantastic trip put together for us by the Sierra Mountain Center. From the start Emma was…read morefantastic and professional in the coordination efforts for our Palisade Traverse trip. My son and I had a 1:1 guide ratio and the guides, Dave Stimson and Tyler Logan, were exceptional. Exceptional in their knowledge of the route, their efficiency with rope craft and their trailside manner - despite the exhausting climb we had such a fun time. We are already planning next year's outing with SMC. You can see a video of the trip here: https://theearthbeneathyourfeet.com/Hikes/HikeDetails/5574743739453848794f31484538675743512b3472513d3d

Overall, It was a great experience. Very comforting to have everything sorted and just focus on the…read moremovement. The weather was great. Almost too hot but better than too much snow. Our guide, Dave was EXCELLENT. Social, made great food, and paced us very well. We all had a wonderful time!

The clerk was super informative. She instantly grabbed a map to show me a better trail, a safer…read moretrail for two nights of backpacking and fishing . She gave me all kinds of advice, knew the backcountry well, knew all about the equipment, was super patient and helpful and kind. Glad to bring the crampons I rented back and see her again. This is a great store. You should try it. They ran equipment, and they are having sales on rock climbing gear right now..

Such an awesome spot. All of their employees are soooo nice and helpful. They have really popular…read moreand reliable gear and even a clearance section with is cool. The employees are locals and familiar with a lot of cool runs/hikes. I definitely recommend this place and will visit when passing through Bishop!

The Peabody Boulders in the Buttermilk Country west of Bishop are not your average, garden-variety…read morestones. About 55 feet tall, the gigantic Grandpa and Grandma Peabody (once a single boulder) are two of the world's largest, and present challenging problems to even the most advanced climbers. Since the last boulder I scaled was "Big Rock" back in high school, we came to the Buttermilks just to look up at the remarkable rocks. Arriving early to catch the morning light, we hiked the short but steep, decomposed granite trail through the boulder field. At the top of the trail, we scrambled around on the frictiony surface of the quartz monzonite, and marveled at the views of the radiant Sierra Nevada range. The big, bad boulders of the Buttermilks get 3 stars for their extreme girth and brilliant setting. Even though I didn't do any bouldering myself, the Peabody Boulders deserve another star for their world-class climbs. Next visit, I will bring some chalk and a crash pad. Directions: From downtown Bishop, take Highway 168 (W. Line Street) approximately 7.25 miles west, turn right on Buttermilk Road, and travel approximately 3.5 miles west to boulders.

Bugaboo Spire is world-famous in the climbing community, for good reason…read more It contains a coveted 50 classic climb. (5.8) It also contains the historic "Kain Route" (5.6). It's a fun moderate climb. The crux is "the gendarme" a "5.6" move that is extremely trick and very exposed. You'll wonder how the hell Conrad Kain did it in crappy old-timey leather boots! Any of these routes are a LONG day from the hut, so make sure you start early. (before the sun)

Wonderful experience and plan to return. I went on a weekend expedition to the Ansel Adams…read moreWilderness by Yosemite. It was absolutely incredible. I went with a church group with 10 other men and we were greeted late at night by two guides that had the best attitudes even though we arrived super-late. They had everything ready to go at the campsite so we didn't have to worry about any gear and just go right to sleep. They took care of all of our meals, too. The next morning we took a 6-mile hike and went swimming in a mountain lake all the while discussing meaningful things in our lives to connect with one another. It was a real bonding and growing experience. We later did a 3-hour solo trip to be alone for 3 hours and really enjoyed it. The next day we went rock climbing and learned a great deal from the experience, much more than just rock climbing. We were only there for about 36 hours in total, but loved every minute of it. Some other things about the company: They have multiple pre-packaged "courses" in addition to the ability to create customized courses which is what we went on. Their pre-packaged courses include Father-Children courses, Leadership development courses, single parent courses, among many other adventure courses. All of the courses are aimed at giving a God-centered educational experience that you will not forget. Activities include camping, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, among other activities. They are headquartered in a cool cabin in Bass Lake, CA, but operate all over the world. Adventure sites include some of the most beautiful places in the world like Mt. Rainier, Yosemite, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Holy Land and South America among other places. Super helpful guides and instructors who obviously love their jobs (I'm candidly a little jealous). From the website: "Our focus is providing custom programming using service, adventure and experiential education as tools to strengthen relationships with God and others......Since 1973, Summit Adventure has used wilderness and adventure as tools to facilitate transformation, build compassion, strengthen relationships and deepen faith. These processes take place through time-tested and proven strategies that Summit Adventure has used over the past four decades." The adventures are reasonably priced. Summit Adventure is a not-for-profit organization.

Amazing guide, Amazing program…read more Last minute trip and response was really quick. Instructions were clear and payment was simple. The approach was really easy (note: drive to Clark Canyon may require a car that has a bit higher clearance). The climb itself was really nice and beginner friendly. Most were 5.7-5.9 (maybe a 5.10). Clay is really amazing at giving general routes, without giving away beta, which is much appreciated. Highly recommended!! We will definitely be back.

Everything was great from booking the half day to the climbing. Clay was our instructor and was…read moregreat. He is a great guide and coach. I would recommend Ground Up for anyone who is new to climbing and wants a fun day outdoors. I took my 11 year old son and he had a blast. If we come back to Mammoth I will be booking another climbing adventure with Ground Up.

I almost died here…read more I was climbing Snake Dike for the first time. At the point where you are supposed to traverse left, off of the dike you've been climbing on pitches 1-3, and onto another one...I didn't. I just kept "riding the dike". This route is called "Snake Dance" and goes at 5.9R. Long story short, the first bolt must've been 90-100 ft above the anchor. I had climbed up 80-90 ft, could see the "first" bolt but was getting pumped out trying to reach it. I started shaking, was filled with terror and then...then I was falling. I was cheese-grattering down the granite slabs, and I was oddly at piece. I remember thinking "well, I had a good run, I guess now I know how it's going to end." I tried to keep my feet in front of me as I was coming up on a ledge. I thought it would be better to break my legs than my FACE. As I neared the ledge my clothes had shredded through down to my skin (it was cold day, wearing a shoftshell probably saved me from even more sever road rash) and the, suddenly, the rope caught! I didn't know what injuries I may have sustained but at least I wasn't going to die. I mean, as long as my belayer held on. And she did, boy did she ever. I had fallen all the way down to the one of the previous anchors. How...convenient. I had my climbing partner hold the rope tight and I swung over to the anchor. I had her rappel down to me and...her hands were very very badly burned from the rope. But, she held on, and she saved my life. We limped out and eventually got to an emergency room. Her hands would have to be in bandages for weeks, but they are all better now. Luckily, I got away with just a cracked rib, bruised heels, and road rash along my arms, thighs, and butt (sorry bro). We came back 6 months later, stayed on-route and had a great time. A summit has never tasted so sweet. The "actual" Snake Dike route is till VERY run-out in places. There are spots where there is only 2 or ever ONE bolt on the entire pitch. But, most of the climbing is in the 5.4 range, so it's not anywhere near as heady as 5.9 slab. (yeah, I'm a punter, 5.9 slab with epic runouts gets me real skeered, especially now...seriously, my hands are sweating all over my keyboard as I type this...) Best part of Snake Dike is that you don't need a permit. I don't expect it will be like this for much longer, get it while it's hot!

This peak is just outside the town of Lone Pine…read more It's just shy of 13,000 ft but it's often mistaken for the tallest mountain in the lower 48: Mt Whitney, which lies behind and to the viewer's right of it. If you use an Apple computer, you've probably seen this mountain before. It's the default wallpaper for macOS Sierra. It's also a pretty fun mountain to climb. It's got numerous long 5th class (rock climbing) routes. And it's also got a handful of "walk-up" (hiking) routes (the most popular of which is by the Lake Meysan Trail). I've been up the Lake Meysan route in a day (about 8 hrs RT) and up the North Ridge (about 19 hrs RT) both were incredible days in the hills. The summit area is flat and MASSIVE. It would be easy to camp up here if one were properly prepared. The hiking route is a great option if you can't get a permit for Whitney, permits are much easier for Lone Pine!

Fresno Dome: 2025 Sep 23 (5 of 5)…read more We're hosting a friend who's never been to Fresno Dome so we decided to take him there. Fresno Dome looks like a smooth dome from afar but it's actually granite rocks of different shapes and sizes coming together to create this geological marvel. I'm always amazed when we reach the top of the dome. Once you get to the top of this granite dome, you can be assured of breathtaking panoramic views of Sierra Nevada and Southern Yosemite National Park. Its rocky facade made this easier to climb, but the last time I hiked Fresno Dome was in July - so, I felt a need to get lessons from a goat. Goats are incredibly agile climbers - ascending steep slopes and leaping over mountains in their sure-footed hooves. I wonder if they'll give me lessons on how to climb mountains. Hmm... What to wear: Layer your clothing. You get sweaty on the way up, but at the top, you may feel a chill. Hiking shoes or hiking boots are a must. We actually saw a woman in sandals. That's a firm No-No. One slip and you'll be flying down the slopes. What to bring: Water and snacks. You'll need more than one bottle of water per person (I usually bring 3). Dehydration sets in fast, especially when you sweat. We bring snacks because when you reach the top, you would want to stay to enjoy the breeze and the views. Just remember to bag your trash and take them with you. What to expect: Mosquitoes, bugs, ants, etc. It's their land you're wondering into. On the flip side, you'll be amazed by beautiful butterflies, plants and wildflowers (depending on the season).

Situated between Oakhurst and Yosemite National Park at an elevation of 7,450 feet, Fresno Dome is…read moreone of those elegant granite formations for which the Sierra Nevada is famous for. Fresno Dome is a popular destination for rock climbers, but hikers can also reach the summit via a short trail that climbs the dome's gently sloping backside. Reference: MAREK WARSZAWSKI / THE FRESNO BEE | FEBRUARY 03, 2009 11:17 AM I didn't realize it's only a 1.6 mile round trip , it felt much longer but it's an easy peasy hike which rewards you with beautiful views of the Sierra from the top. Easy at first but gets pretty steep at the top . Since my baby bear has intellectual disabilities and autism, he's not too aware of danger, we stopped midways of the dome . We were still rewarded with gorgeous views from midways. It was pretty muddy at the begging of the hike , we had to hop from one rock to another to avoid getting our hiking boots wet. After that it's a easy hike ( except pretty steep at the top). Hella winding road to get to the trailhead, it's unpaved dirt road towards the end. I don't recommend you going if you don't wanna get your vehicles dirty lol. We saw a beautiful owl with his wings wide opened atop a tree stump near the trailhead. I wasn't able to capture it with my phone but the image is still very clear in my head after four years. Cheers to the great outdoors (^｡^)

Amazing experience! Great ride options for all. Beautiful, healthy, and strong stock. Friendly and…read moreinformative team. We booked a day in the Sierra and it did not disappoint. Gaby was our guide and she was amazing. We rode Percy and Howdy. Forever memories!

From the first inquiry to the end of our trip, these folks were high quality. They provided a…read moredunnage drop into the Golden Trout Wilderness, allowed us to dry camp near the stables, allowed us to park near the stables, and were very helpful in making sure we made it to our destination into the Cottonwood Lakes corridor. J.P. and Chris, our wrangler, were absolutely outstanding with their customer service and performance.