Mt. Conness West Ridge

Join MAA members to climb the amazing West Ridge route on Mt. Conness. This 24-hour blitz will be a high country adventure climb on a scenic Sierra peak just outside Yosemite National Park. Prior experience with multi-pitch alpine rock climbing (at least ROCK 6) and excellent fitness required. 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 shown on their MAA profile. Those registered will be notified. Thank you! 

DETAILS:

• What's happening: "Light and fast" ascent of Mt. Conness 12,950' from Sawmill Camprgound to the West Ridge, 5.6, 1500', using mostly simul-climbing, with a descent via the East Ridge, all in one long day. Friday evening gather and Sunday morning departure. If the weather or our party is not conducive to this route we'll ascend the Class 3 East Ridge instead. Be prepared for some old snow and boggy conditions on the approach. 
• Where to meet: Lee Vining Mobil Station 10:30 pm Friday night June 26th.
  
• Event Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399
• Minimum / Maximum: 2,6
• Skills Requirements: Participants should be experienced in climbing multi-pitch alpine rock wearing a light pack, using both simul-climbing and pitched climbing, proficient in scrambling / soloing 4th class, off-trail navigation, and have stamina and fitness to handle a 14-hour day.
• What to bring on the climb: Mountaineering boots or approach shoes, rock shoes if desired, harness, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 slings, prusik, PAS, helmet, base layers, mid layers, shell layers, 10 - 25 liter climbing pack, food, 2 liter water carrying capacity, trekking poles, gaiters, map, compass, strong headlamp with extra batteries. Please bring any rope or rock protection you'd like to share. MAA may supply some or all of the group technical equipment, ropes and protection. Bring sleeping arrangements for Friday and Saturday night at the cars.
• Bobcat's Adventure Sports: MAA Apex and Base members enjoy a significant retail discount on mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, skiing, splitboarding, and backcountry clothing, equipment and gear, as well as consignment and rentals. 
• 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, June 26th: We meet at 10:30 pm at the Mobil Station near Lee Vining at the bottom of Tioga Pass. We will stay just up the hill at the large vehicle turnaround - sleeping in your car is the easiest option but there is space to set up a small stealth tent if necessary. We will briefly go over logistics, gear, review approach and route.
• DAY 2 - June 27th: With a pre-dawn start, drive a few miles up Tioga Pass to Sawmill Campground. Ascend the trail to a pass on the way to the East Ridge of Conness. Descend to the start of the West Ridge. Rope up and climb mostly using simul-climbing with a few pitches of belayed climbing and possibly even some soloing up approximately 1,500' to the 12,950' summit of Mt. Conness. Celebrate! Descend the East Ridge back to the cars. We will probably be coming back in the late evening. Drive back to the Mobil Station to sleep, or start driving home.
• DAY 3 - June 28th: Wake and start heading home early. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• 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.

• This event is open to all Apex, Base, and free Associate members - paid membership is not a requirement of attendance. 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• As a private, non-commercial group we operate within the posted group size limits and regulations for this area.

• All MAA members are taught and practice Leave No Trace principles to be good stewards of wild places.

• 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.

• 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.