Join Us on 5 Days Climb Southern Pickets Range
The Picket Range is one of the most remote mountain ranges in the United States. It also has some of the most impressive scenery and adventurous climbing opportunities. The Pickets are home to classic alpine rock climbs such as the East Ridge of Inspiration Peak (10 pitches, 5.9), challenging scrambles such as the West Ridge of McMillan Spire, complex alpine climbs such as the North Face of Mount Terror, and incredible multi-summit traverses. The Pickets have a physical approach and rugged terrain that is not to be under estimated. For those with a thirst for solitude, beauty, and adventure there are few places like it on earth.
Our classic Pickets trip enters the Southern Picket Range, which has easier access and fewer logistics than a Northern Pickets trip. However, we are happy to offer a Northern Pickets Trip or a complete traverse for those with enough grit and time to spare. Your exact itinerary will depend on your goals, weather, route conditions, and the climbing ability of your team. Typically we tackle two to three objectives during a five-day Southern Pickets trip. Crossing “The Barrier”, which is a steep ridge that divides Terror Creek Basin from Crescent Creek Basin, is often an objective in itself, and involves crossing a moat and ascending low-fifth-class terrain to the top of the ridge. This gains access to climbs in the vicinity of Mount Terror.
Prerequisites for Climbing Southern Pickets Climb Range Climb:
- Previous multi-day backpacking experience in rugged mountainous terrain
- Ability to use crampons and an ice axe, including the ability to self-arrest. This can be gained on our Intro to Snow Climbing Course
- For those attempting alpine rock climbs, previous multipitch rock climbing in an alpine setting is required. This may be as a leader or follower. This experience can be gained on our Alpine Rock Climbing Course or a guided climb on the North Ridge of Forbidden Peak.
- Excellent physical fitness. A trip into the Southern Pickets involves more than 6,000ft of gain while carrying a 50lb pack.
Duration
5 Days 4 Nights CampingGear check
RequiredPassport
Not needed for US citizensMinimum Age
16 years oldActivity
Alpine Rock Climbing & ScramblingAccommodation
Tents
- Fuel, Pots, and Stoves
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide Services

- Transportation
- Parking or entry fees (when applicable)
- Food or drinks
- Accommodation before or after the course
- Personal clothing
- Personal climbing equipment (rentals available)
- Gratuities for guides