Guided Trips to the Sierra Nevada & Worldwide!
Wish you were here? The peaks of the Palisade Traverse, Sill to Thunderbolt.

Palisade Traverse
Thunderbolt to Sill (IV, 5.9)

THE premier alpine climb in the entire Sierra Nevada. Don’t believe it? Ask anyone who has done the traverse(or you could just ask us), and you will find it’s unanimous. Sierra climber Peter Croft says in his excellent guidebook, “This magical mystery tour… has got to be one of the very best and most popular traverses in the United States of America.”  This traverse includes five summits exceeding 14,000’ extending from Thunderbolt peak to Mt. Sill.  The climb is done "Alpine Style" with bivys on the ridge.  Of the climbs we guide in the Sierra this is one of the toughest and most rewarding.  The views are breathtaking and the altitude challenging.  We offer this climb to folks with previous rock and alpine climbing experience.  What a great way to experience the High Sierra from its most dramatic and grandiose locations.  Our 4-day trip is tough, requiring good all around skills (rock, ice, snow), and excellent physical condition. This is a true light and fast alpine climb where we carry packs along the ridge, bivy at 14,000’, and climb rock, ice, & snow.

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information

Trip Report & Photos provided by Jed & Alex 2011

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TRIP ITINERARY:

DAY 1

 

 

Meet for a gear check and hike up to our first camp around Sam Mack Lake (12,000').

DAY 2

 

 

Climb Thunderbolt and bivy on the ridge.

DAY 3

 

 

Climb Starlight, North Pal, and Polemonium and bivy on the Ridge.

DAY 4

 

 

Climb Mt. Sill and descend to the trailhead.

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Prerequisites:

  • Prior wilderness camping experience
  • Prior multi-pitch climbing experience to 5.8, and comfortable climbing 5.9 at altitude

  • Excellent physical fitness and stamina
  • Prior ice axe and crampon use
  • Experience at altitudes above 11,000’

Additional Information
Check back for a trip report, photos and stories from a recent trip.

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TRIP DETAILS

2013 Dates:

Custom Dates

Trip Length:
4 days

Trip Difficulty:
Level 3

Cost:
1:1 $1580

 

Recommended Prior Local Climbs:
North Peak- Conness

Middle Palisade

Mt Whitney- E Buttress

Mt Russell- Fishook Arete

Lone Pine Peak- North Ridge

Mt. Humphreys- East Ridge

Recommended Follow-up Climbs:Evolution Traverse, Complete Palisade Traverse, Temple Crag- Celestial Aretes