Crystal Crag, Mammoth Lakes

Join MAA members to climb the accessible high quality granite and amazing crystals on trad routes up Crystal Crag in Mammoth Lakes. This will be a day to enjoy some alpine style multi-pitch climbing!  Routes attempted will be from Class 4 to 5.8, we intend to do quite a few laps on the crag and switch up teams so everyone gets a chance to lead, follow and practice their craft. Prior experience with multi-pitch alpine rock climbing recommended. Loaner gear may be available. We have room for 8. 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: alpine style cragging at Crystal Crags in Mammoth Lakes, CA. Routes from Class 4 to 5.8. Routes up to three pitches. Focusing on the North Arete or East Face, also South Ridge as possibilities. Some hiking on the approach and descent, about 45 minutes each way. 
• Where to meet: Lake George trailhead in Mammoth Lakes. Follow Main Street which turns into Lake Mary Road to get there, follow signs to Lake George TH. 
• Leader: Darren Shutt (916) 872-3399
• Minimum / Maximum: 2,8
• 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.
• What to bring on the climb: Mountaineering boots or approach shoes, rock shoes, harness, belay device, 3 locking carabiners, 2 slings, prusik, PAS, helmet, shell layers, small climbing pack, food. 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. 
• 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:

• Saturday, July 25th: Meet at Lake George Trailhead. Sort gear, pack and walk in to the crag. Start hiking on the Crystal Lake Trail. After about 20 mins a sign to Crystal Lake is seen. Hang a left at the sign and follow the trail down to the lake. Follow the trail around the lake and after about 100 yards, take the climbers trail on the left. Follow this until you reach the base of the cliff. The approach takes about 45 minutes. We will climb the North Arete, East Face or South Ridge. Climb a few laps on the crag until we are worn out! 

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.