Temple Crag from Second Lake

Temple Crag- Celestial Aretes

Venusian Blind Arete- IV, 5.7

Moon Goddess Arete- IV, 5.8

Sun Ribbon Arete- IV 5.9

You would be hard pressed to find a more amazing alpine crag in the Sierra. When describing Temple Crag the late pioneer Norman Clyde wrote,” It is doubtful that there is a more beautiful and striking  ‘crag-mountain’ in the Sierra.  Its northern and north-eastern faces are sheer precipices varied by numbers of spirey, turret-like pinnacles, beautifully placed.”   From Third Lake in the North Fork of Big Pine Creek Temple Crag jumps out screaming to be climbed.  The prominent arêtes comprise the main routes to the summit.   Regardless of which route you choose you will find loads of crack climbing, face climbing, and pitch after pitch of granite heaven.   

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information