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Tamarack Lake Area Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Tamarack Lake Area

Horn Peak 2 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 2 / 2

Mount Stewart 3 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 3 / 3

Prism, The 6 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 6 / 6

Saber Ridge 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 1

Shield, The 1 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 / 1 / 1

Explore this area in 3D

Use onX Backcountry to explore the terrain in 3D, view recent satellite imagery, and more. Now available in onX Backcountry Mobile apps! For more information see this post.

Elevation:	9,214 ft	2,808 m
GPS:	36.5822, -118.567 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	50,789 total · 324/month
Shared By:	fossana on Jul 16, 2013
Admins:	Mike Morley, Adam Stackhouse, Salamanizer Ski, Justin Johnsen, Vicki Schwantes Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Always check SEKI road conditions and peregrine closures Details

The SeKi Rock Climbing website nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/… has current closures as well as other climbing information for visitors.

Moro Rock (SEKI) and Chimney Rocks usually have nesting closures every year from April 1 to August 15.

As of April 2016, all routes are open to climbing.

Description

I first learned about the area from an AAJ writeup by Brandon Thau detailing several new lines on the Prism and the intriguing Saber Ridge. Guarded by a lengthy approach, it's unlikely you'll encounter a soul once you leave the High Sierra Trail. I found the rock quality to be surprisingly good for a rarely climbed backcountry area.

Amenities

Number of water sources along the way even in July of a drought year.
Established campsites along the HST have bear boxes.
Bearpaw Meadows hosts a ranger station and High Sierra camp.

Red Tape

Backcountry permits are required for overnight travel.
As of July 2013 trailhead access by shuttle only late May to early Sep from 9am to 6pm. Check the NPS site for the latest update.
Bear restrictions in place. Please use the bear boxes.

Getting There

From the Crescent Meadows trailhead take the long, mostly flat western terminus of the High Sierra Trail to Bearpaw Meadow (11.3 miles). Leave the HST and take the left signed dusty uphill trail toward Elizabeth Pass and Tamarack Lake (2.2 miles). The trail is overgrown, but for your trouble you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of Valhalla. Head north on a short connector toward Elizabeth Pass/Tamarack Lake. At the Elizabeth Pass split continue on toward Tamarack Lake to the destination of your choice. ~15 miles to the area

13 Total Climbs

Route Finder - Best Climbs for YOU!

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Classic Climbing Routes at Tamarack Lake Area

Mountain Project's determination of the classic, most popular, highest rated climbing routes in this area.

5.7 5a 15 V+ 13 MVS 4b 38 ● Saber Ridge traverse, south to n… Trad, Alpine 20 pitches Saber Ridge
5.10b 6a+ 19 VII- 19 E2 5b 10 ● Prism Time Trad, Alpine 11 pitches Prism
5.10 6b 20 VII- 19 E2 5b PG13 4 ● Monkeys In The Clouds Trad, Alpine 8 pitches Prism
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b 4 ● Antichrist Dihedral Trad, Alpine 9 pitches Mt Stewart > Main Wall