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.

My boyfriend and I visited Alpine Climbing on a weekday in early November 2025 (yay $20 day…read morepass!!), and we had a great experience overall. The bouldering area was partially set from a recent competition--half was still comp-style problems, and the other half was in the process of being reset. While we didn't get to climb much in that section, the problems we did try were well-set and fun. I especially liked the "tunnel" feature--it's a unique touch that adds a lot of character to the sets in that area. I mean who doesn't like to climb on the ceiling!? The roped climbing area was definitely the highlight of this trip. The walls are impressively tall, and every rope station is equipped with a GriGri+--for any experienced climber you likely grimace, but no issues using the GriGri+'s installed. they all worked as designed and were clearly well cared for. The staff was absolutely amazing. We were helped by a brunette woman at the front desk (I wish I had gotten her name!) who was incredibly welcoming and thorough in showing us around. Although we didn't explore the kids' area this time, it looked like a blast--and we're already planning to come back with our kids soon. This gym has a great vibe, and we're excited to return!

It was our first time rock climbing, and it was our first time at Alpine. My daughter really…read morewanted to go for the first time after seeing a few friends do it and I'm so glad we went. She had so much fun and is already asking to go back. We are talking to all of our friends about it and encouraging them to come with us next time. My daughter's favorite was jumping off the buildings, and I found myself climbing up those walls as quickly as I could. Something I did not think I was going to be able to do. We can't wait to go back.

I came to MetalMark Climb & Fitness last week during a week long trip in Fresno and had an absolute…read moreblast! I haven't climbed since 2014 but was luckily was able to shake off the rust fairly quickly. It was a Wednesday so there wasn't much of a crowd at all. It almost felt like we had the place entirely to ourselves! I'd like to take a moment to shoutout their amazing staff. I'm currently drawing a blank on her name and since she kindly wore a mask for the safety of her customers, I'm having a hard time deciphering between two staff members from their website. So Sienna or Caroline, you absolutely rock (no pun intended)!!! My fingers were starting to become very sensitive as I didn't bring my own chalk. When I requested to purchase some, she handed me a pouch that was well, chalk full of chalk, for no charge! It saved my hands and allowed me to climb for at least another hour and change. If the people in my group weren't getting hangry, I could have spent the entire day there!

Some of the people who work at the front desk tend to be on the younger side and lack basic social…read moreskills when interacting with people who come into the gym. It can feel like people are just there to hang out and do not give a welcoming experience in the gym. Juun in particular is pretty standoffish.

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.

Just had an Amazing weekend in Alabama Hills, Lone Pine CA!! Ground Up programs are a great way to…read moreget outside & climb. Clay is very knowledgeable & experienced (not to mention easy going guy). He made our weekend sooo much fun & educational. I can't wait to climb w/ Ground Up(Clay) this summer in Mammoth!!!

This is a hike I would recommend to friends and you. I was there on a gloomy day when all of the…read morefalls in Yosemite were going like gang busters. This was due to a Snow Melt in May 2019 from a 160 Percent to Average Snow Fall. Take your time and you may notice some special sights like the Moss covered Heart Shaped Rock which is about Four Feet across. The Popcorn look alike I believe is Tree Resin. It did look good enough to eat. Notice the Rock Overhang and be sure you do not hit your head! Be sure to check the trail instructions from Forevermemorable F.. Without them and the pictures he posted I would not have found the trail. I would recommend you use Hiking Poles to help you descend the trail. If you would like to see the upper part of this falls take a ride on "Big Old Flat Road", Location 37.727751,-119.713163. Here you will find a small Parking Lot across the road from the upper falls. Walk on the bridge and check for the cascades. One nice aspect of this spot is that even when the park is packed the are no crowds here. I think it is more interesting to view than Bridal Veil Falls and you can get very close to it. Please check my pictures to see what I mean.

The hike to the waterfall is less than 15 minutes but the trail is hidden. 99% of visitors stop off…read moreand stay in/around the parking lot. I went in the Spring when the waterfall was moving and grooving. Much too fast and powerful to get much closer. Check out the pics of my April visit. This place would be great to visit in the Summer and just chill in the pool just under the waterfall. If you need trailhead info PM me.

Amazing. Climb…read more Probably one of the best multi-pitch rock climbs I have ever done. We started very late and ended up going down in the dark. I don't recommend this for one main reason: The descent is not straight-forward by headlamp. I found the description from SuperTopo to be a bit confusing, so here's my description (in case you don't heed my advice and try to roll this sucker late in the day): You are going to want to down-climb the last 10-15 ft of the summit pinnacle. The section you JUST climbed up to reach the tiny summit. Down-lead this (or better yet, just leave your pro in from the ascent) and build an anchor at the base. (I know this seems like a stupidly short "pitch" to build an anchor for, but, TRUST ME. The rope drag is heinous if you try to go around the corner and then anchor-in.) Then do a running belay/simul-climb around the corner (you are now going AWAY from the face you just climbed up). Once around the corner, go slightly right (skier's right). Once you've done this, just keep going left and down, gradually, on easy 3rd class terrain (we took the rope off at this point). When it starts to look easy to go right, traverse right until you pop out on the other side of the mountain. You'll probably do some minor bush-whacking, just try to keep hopping on those big granite boulders! The SuperTopo seems to say that you hook back right a lot sooner (after going down-left), the terrain there looked like very run-out/, 5th class slab (read: skeery), so we did not do this. OK, now that we've talked about the boring part (getting down), let's talk about the FUN part: climbing up. It's 5 pitches of 5.6-5.7 on glorious granite with ample spots for pro. You can run it out with ease, knowing there is always going to be a place to get your nuts in. This is the complete opposite of "Snake Dike" on Half Dome in that regard. We did the far-left (climber's left) variation. I think it's variation "A" in the guide book. We decided to simul-climb the first two pitches, this was a good call. The beginning of pitch 1 is very easy (low-5th and even 4th class) by the time it gets more difficult, the leader will already be at the 2nd anchor and the second can be belayed up. If you're a strong climber you could even keep going and link all three of the first pitches! Every pitch is fun, with great moves and great positioning. I'd make sure you are not wearing a pack or gear sling for the start of pitch 4, as the chimney is kinda tight in the beginning. Or maybe I'm just getting fat? I lead the last two pitches by headlamp, a new experience, and shockingly more fun that scary. If you do this, I'd start either insanely early or insanely late, in order to avoid the crowds. Have fun!

Cathedral Peak is arguably the most beautiful peak in Yosemite National Park. Despite its beauty,…read moreand despite the fact that the trailhead is at the edge of Tioga Road and easy to find, there are no crowds. During my hike on this 7 mile round-trip trail, I encountered, at most, only twenty other hikers. The trail is an easy hike for adults and for little kids. There are no cliffs near this trail. This means that, unlike some of the trails leading to or from Hawkins Peak at Pinnacles National Park and unlike the fabled Kalalau Trail in Kauai, there is no danger rocks falling from above, and no need to worry about tumbling over the edge of any cliff. Once you have reached the 3 1/2 mile mark, you will be rewarded with a splendid view of Cathedral Peak, which is photogenic from any angle, and which provides a variety of photogenic rewards at different times of day. Near Cathedral Peak is a meadow with little streams, and orange-colored bedrock near one of the streams. Also in this area, is an exposed granite dome, similar to nearby Lambert Dome. My photographs show: (1) Me posing on a granite dome located next to a meadow. This meadow is just to the south of Cathedral Peak, (2) The trail marker sign next to Tioga Road, (3) The orange-colored exposed bedrock, and (4) Two photographs of a little stream that winds its way through a meadow, with Cathedral Peak in the distance.

Amazing experience with knowledge instructors. Great climbing location! Friendly and helpful…read morestaff during the booking process. Even helped us get accommodations nearby. Would totally do it again!!

Spent three days climbing with guides from Yosemite Mountaineering School. I'm sure all the guides…read moreare spectacular, but I can personally recommend Chase and Jake. Highly professional, impressively safe, and personable, not to mentioned astonishingly strong climbers. Chase and I spent a day cragging gearing up for a run up Half Dome's southwest face via Snake Dike. The end of our 12 hours together had much less talking, but Chase helped make the 6+ mile hike in much more enjoyable (as much as it could be of course) passing the time with fun stories and fun facts. We told some jokes, saw some nature, passed some hikers, and were first on the crag, setting us up for an awesome day! Jake and I climbed the 1100-foot East Buttress of Middle Cathedral and when my foot slipped while scaling a lie back crack and my life flashed before my eyes, I felt the rope tighten and stopped safely (only falling 6 or 8 feet of the 800 feet we had climbed thus far). Awesome day with Jake! Both Chase and Jake were excellent on meeting me where I was in my climbing ability, being a confident 5.10 leader, able to climb middle 5.11 but without much experience on Yosemite's granite I had a few tricks to learn to be successful. I highly highly highly recommend YMS to anyone new to the valley or wanting to safely experience what Yosemite has to offer!

These guys are like family; I go there usually twice a week. They have all the equipment you need…read more The staff is helpful and always there to help. The gym itself is not crowded during the day. The also have indoor rock climbing available. This place has kept me alive and well giving me the ability to stay in shape to pursue my sports activities. They have adequate facilities all around the gym. There is gym equipment for everyone's abilities. Love this place. Also, there is a wonderful chiropractor, who is the owner of the gym (Dr. John) Fully staffed for all of your needs. The staff there are very helpful and friendly.

Dr. John and Bev,…read more Yikes! Today I am EIGHT OHHH! When I was 66 I joined my first gym ever in Lodi. The next year we moved in to Sonora Hills, and about a year after that I discovered CLASS 5, and suddenly my life changed for the better! CLASS 5 keeps me strong; so I can live a better life. CLASS 5 is the lynchpin that enables me to ski and bike and hike Yosemite. You've brought in some great equipment! The new torso rotation is just one example. So, I wish to give you a BIG THANK YOU!! Wishing you every success possible in the new year!

I took the 1 day Lovers Leap class. This was first class with MAS, and my first guided climb…read more While I expected to do some good climbing, I was pleasantly surprised by all the climbing tips I got from Aaron. I've been climbing for 15+ years, and I got more tips for efficient climbing and rappelling in one day with Aaron than I did in my whole climbing career! The staff at MAS was very professional and friendly, and made sure they tailored the climbing to my wants and experience. The on-line registration process was very easy, and the staff made good use of e-mail and cell phone to keep me updated on the climbing plans. All in all, it was a great and instructional day of climbing. I highly recommend MAS!

I had my first MAS trip this past weekend for the Bear Valley Sierra Adventure Weekend Climbing…read moreTrip. For someone who has never rock climbed before, I was nervous about just "going for it" without ever climbing indoors at a climbing gym. Our guides Charlie and Cliff did an EXCELLENT job of making my mom and I (and the rest of the group) feel safe and gave us the encouragement we needed. They provided all the gear and knowledge to make my first climbing experience a blast!!! They did a safety briefing before we started climbing (belaying, tying the 10point rope) and it was hilarious!! :) We climbed at Box Canyon and I highly recommend climbing there sometime!!! It's BEAUTIFUL!!!! Thank you to MAS but especially Charlie and Cliff for giving me the climbing bug.