SWISS ARETE, MT. SILL // JOHN MUIR WILDERNESS, INYO NATIONAL FOREST

Trad, 5.7, Grade II // Elevation: 14,162' // Trip Length 2-3 days

A striking formation, Mt. Sill dominates the skyline from HWY 395 as you enter into the town of Big Pine. Standing tall at 14,162 feet, Mt Sill is one of fifteen 14 er's in California and is located in the awe inspiring Palisade Range. On the summit proper, Mt. Sill offers some of the most spectacular views in the entire Eastern Sierra spanning east across the Owen's Valley to the White Mountains and to the west with views of Sequoia and Kings Canyon. Coming in at 5.7, Grade II, Mt. Sill's Swiss Arete is mostly class 3/4 mixed in with the occasional 5th class move or higher. The crux of the route comes at an impasse where you are forced to turn a blind corner and connect a crack system for a few 5.7 moves. A climb that will surely not be forgotten, Mt. Sill, or better known by the Paiute Indians as Nee-na-mee-shee, meaning Guardian of the Valley, is sure to leave an impression on anyone who climbs this beautiful peak. Another great classic moderate in the Sierra, most parties typically do this route in 3 days due to the length of the approach.