All Locations > California > High Sierra > 04 - Ritter & Minarets

Banner Peak Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Routes in Banner Peak

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	East Corner T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	North Arete T 5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b
	Northwest Glacier to Southeast Ridge 3rd 1- 1 I 1 M 1a Easy Snow
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Elevation:	12,945 ft
GPS:	37.696, -119.1946 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	13,085 total · 93/month
Shared By:	Ian McEleney on Sep 22, 2012
Admins:	Chris Owen, Lurk Er, Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Description

This is the big peak just north of Mount Ritter. It's the northernmost of a group of peaks, including the Minarets, that draw the eye of climbers and non-climbers alike driving past Mammoth Lakes on 395. It was first climbed by John Miller and Willard D. Johnson in August of 1883.

Climbers should not be expecting the granite found in other parts of The Sierra. The rock is volcanic and tends to be more fractured and loose than the granite. Nevertheless, this peak sports a number of good routes that can be steeper and have more face climbing than elsewhere in the range.

Descent is through the Ritter-Banner saddle. Both sides of this pass hold snow. Climbers should take this into account when planning their equipment.

For more information check out RJ Secor's The High Sierra 3rd ed., p.392 - 393 or Moynier and Fiddler's Climbing California's High Sierra 2nd ed., p.337 - 341.

Getting There

If climbing the peak from the Ritter-Banner Saddle, or via the Southeast Face or East Corner the best approach is from the Agnew Meadows Trailhead. Camping can be found at the popular but easy to reach Lake Ediza, or at the much quieter Nydiver Lakes.

For other routes some climbers may prefer to approach from Silver Lake on The June Lake Loop.

The Agnew Meadows Trailhead is on the Minaret Road, which is closed from Minaret Summit on in the summer from 7am to 7pm. During these hours a shuttle bus leaves from Mammoth Mountain Ski area at least every half hour. Tickets are $7.