Join MAA on Lone Pine Peak to climb the long, stunning North Ridge. This is a long adventurous ridge climb with a commanding view of the Owens Valley and the Whitney area. Recommmended for those already fit and familiar with multi-pitch alpine trad climbing. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 6. Hope to have you out with us!
SCREENED EVENT: Please join the waitlist. Attendees will be selected based on skill proficiency and experience. Those registered will be notified. Thank you!
DETAILS:
What's happening: Lone Pine Peak 12,944', North Ridge III, 5.5. We approach and descend from this route on the Meysan Lake Trail. This is considered a high altitude mountain route. Even though it is an easy climb, the length, route finding, and altitude make it a long and strenuous climb. Those attempting it need to be in excellent shape and comfortable scrambling without protection or moving quickly on a running belay with a pack at altitude. It is imperative that the route is climbed quickly, so most of the time we'll be using a running belay, but there are a few pitches we will lead traditionally, (about 2 in the middle of the climb, and the last three or so on the summit pinnacle) and there is also some 3rd class and 4th class downclimbing.
Where to meet: In the town of Lone Pine on Friday, August 21st at 9:30 pm at the Mt. Whitney restaurant.
Event Leader: Darren Shutt, (916) 872-3399 and Kelvin Nguyen
Minimum / Maximum: 2-6
What to bring: Rock shoes, harness, helmet, belay device, three locking carabiners, PAS, cordellette, prusik, 2 runners, 2 non-locking carabiners, climbing pack, approach shoes / mountain boots, sunglasses, personal items, layers, storm shell, map and compass, food, at least 2 liters of water. Bring your trad rack and ropes if you have them, and MAA will also provide ropes and gear. We will use shorter, lightweight ropes.
Medical: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
ITINERARY:
- DAY 1, Friday August 21st: Meet in Lone Pine and make preparations for the climb. Catch a few hours sleep in a car, or make other arrangements.
- DAY 2, Saturday, August 22nd: Gather at the Meysan Lake TH well before dawn. Hike a few miles up the trail then cut cross country to the start of the route. Carrying light packs, climb the north ridge to the summit, then descend back to the Meysan Lakes trails and back to the cars.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
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This event is free of charge. MAA receives no direct financial gain for organizing and supporting this event. Donations are not solicited on this event, nor is any exchange of money a requirement for participation.
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This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance.
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MAA is a 100% volunteer-run, federal and state recognized 501(c)7 not-for-profit membership organization and does not seek or realize a profit from organizing this event; all membership benefits, liability insurance, website, database, administrative costs and all expenses are supported solely through membership, not event fees.
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MAA event leaders are experienced members who are board-approved and volunteer to host the event as a representative of MAA, but are not operating as a guide or compensated as a guide - all participants on the event share responsibility for the safety, decisions, and actions of the group.
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Accordingly, the physical demands, required skills or technical terrain of some events require that we screen participants; individuals should join the waitlist to be considered for RSVP. The experience, skills and fitness in the MAA membership profile will be used to determine the suitability of each individual to the demands of that particular event.
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Participant safety is our top priority. Many circumstances such as mountain conditions, weather, or subjective hazards may necessitate changes to the published itinerary, including cancellation.
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As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.
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All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.
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The event begins and ends at the trailhead. MAA does not insure ridesharing or other travel arrangements and bears no responsibility for them. Carpooling, ride sharing, or anything similar is strictly a private arrangement among individuals.
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MAA event leaders carry communication devices and a medical kit; The primary event leader at a minimum has current wilderness first aid and CPR training as well as MAA policy training.
