After becoming comfortable top roping at various crags, it is time to get higher off the ground! An entirely new climbing experience awaits. Once on a multi-pitch route a whole new set of skills is needed; belaying from small stances, rope organization, cleaning equipment staying organized and acquiring the mental clam to cope with having air underneath your feet. Lots going on and we try to reduce the complexities to basics and present it all to you in a logical understandable manner.
And then there is also the descent that might involve down climbing or rappelling.
Location
We have a lot of options available close to Bishop and we can fine tune it depending upon the day and the weather. Our primary location is Benton Crags where we have the option to split the climbs up into many shorter pitches so you can focus on your new learned skills.
Instructors
We value the professional training provided by the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) and your guides will be AMGA certified or involved in the certification process.
Notes
The best guidebooks are “The Good, The Great and the Awesome” by Peter Croft or Mammoth Area Rock Climbs.
Get them from Maximus Press
We highly recommend that you spend at least one night at moderate altitude (higher than 8,000 feet) just prior to the trip. Spending a night in Mammoth would do the trick. Please refer to our Planning for Success info sheet for more info.
Return to SMC Rock Climbing School
Benton Crags are a series of rock outcropping above the pinion forest of the southern Glass Mountains. It is about a 50 minute drive from Bishop. Wildlife abounds here and this area is not only one of our favorite places but was the favorite of local Native Americans and if you look around you will find traces of their presence with obsidian chipping glinting in the light. But leave them where they fell.
Our chosen crag “Locals Only Rock” is a scant 3 minute stroll from the parking area We stop at the base for a while to review removing artificial equipment from the rock, rope handling and belaying before venturing upwards.
Once on the rock we will work on anchor cleaning, multi-pitch systems, managing belays and anchoring techniques as well as climbing and movement skills.
Descents may involve one long rappel or we can turn it into several back to back rappels down the route so we will get you comfortable and efficient with these skills.
Once back on the ground we can see how energy and time is going and if everything is in our favor, squeeze in as much climbing as we are able to before heading back to the car, tired but fully rewarded.
We will cover the following topics:
- placing artificial climbing protection
- equipment handling skills
- the multi pitch system
- managing belays
- simple anchoring techniques
- energy conservation and efficiency
Program Prerequisites:
SMC Rock I or equivalent. While we will review the basics before leaving the ground you should be familiar with belaying and be able to tie into the rope without assistance.
Program Inclusions:
Price includes guiding, permits and group climbing gear. You need to bring you own personal climbing equipment. Local accommodation is not included in the program.
★ Please Read before you go ★
We feel the following information is essential... (links open as PDF in new window)
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Details, itinerary, and equipment list for your trip
- Our Covid-19 plan. Questions how it pertains to this program? Get in touch.
- Our Cancellation Policy
- Suggestions on preparation - get the most out of your trip!
- Tips on physical training for your trip
- LNT - Let's work together to protect our precious mountain environments.
Rental Equipment:
Need to rent equipment for your trip? We can help.
The best guidebooks are “The Good, The Great and the Awesome” by Peter Croft or Mammoth Area Rock Climbs.