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.   

Venusian Blind Arete
Asending the far left side of the Northeast face, the Venusian Blind Arete is the "easiest" of Temple's climbs. With pitch after pitch of granite climbing you will leave with a smile on your face and the skills to try the other aretes.

Moon Goddess

Only one grade harder than Venusian Blind, Moon Goddess will challenge your endurance and climbing skills. With cracks, face, traverses, and more Moon Goddess is one of SMG's top 15.

Sun Ribbon

Without a doubt the best alpine rock route of it's grade in the Sierra. This climb is definitely in SMG's top five of all the routes we climb. If you don't believe us come out and give it a try.  If the climbing doen't catch your attention the Tyrolean taverse will.  You will enjoy this climb!

Trip Itinerary | Prerequisites | Additional Information