Bear Creek Spire

Bear Creek Spire (13,713 ft.)

Northeast Ridge – III, 5.5
North Arête – III, 5.8

Bear Creek Spire is an amazing high peak on the Sierra Crest, located at the head of the Rock Creek drainage. It is striking from all sides and has two classic routes that every Sierra mountaineer should experience, all the way to the top of an exciting summit block. They are the Northeast Ridge and the North Arete. The Northeast ridge is a long, moderate ridge climb with a few technical moments. A great initiation into Sierra alpine climbing and an extremely fun and exciting route. The North Arete is steeper and more sustained with a higher level of technical climbing required. A beautiful and striking feature that makes a great way to climb the peak for a more experienced and able climber.

TRIP ITINERARY: Bear Creek Spire

DAY 1

Meet for breakfast in Bishop and do a final pack check at the SMG office. Drive up the Rock Creek Canyon to the top of the road at Mosquito Flat (10,000 ft.). This is where the approach begins. We hike until we arrive at a beautiul camp near Dade Lake.

DAY 2

Finish the approach in the alpenglow and climb the Northeast Ridge or the North Arete. Summit the spire and descend by the 3rd class route over Cox Col to camp. Hike back to the trailhead and celebrate an amazing and successful trip.

Additional Information

 Prerequisites:

Prior wilderness camping experience

Excellent physical fitness and stamina

Prior multi-pitch climbing experience to either 5.6 or 5.8, and comfortable climbing these grades at altitude