For fun Class 3 scrambling, I've always enjoyed Echo Peaks. And there are Class 4/5 climbs there too, if so desired. Then ramble up Echo Ridge when you're done for more nice views. Budd lake is a great place to relax and go for a swim on the way back. The few times I've been this hike, we never saw a soul.

Mount Clark has been my favourite followed by Whorl.

Clark has the most beautiful shape and finding your way to the mountain, no matter which route you choose, is great fun too.

Starr King is definitely not class 3-4 .. more like easy fifth.

Mt. Dana's couloir is fun AI2 (arguably equivalent to class 3/4 depending on whether there's snow or hard ice in the couloir) and with some class 3 rock at the top and a nice class 1 walk off.

Considering that you are going in June, the best bet would be to do Cathedral. The hike in is very short, so you might consider adding another peak on the same day. Mathers Crest, Echos, or Tresidder will be fine peaks to add.
Lyell will have too much snow and will be very hard to do in a day (same as Clark). Conness (via East Ridge), Dana (via Dana Couloir), and Whorl are excellent choices as well.
I would do Cathedral + Tresidder.
Vlad.

fatdad wrote:I think I'd have to opt for Conness as my fave, though I've only done it by the N. Ridge. Remote feeling, nice summit, superb views. The class 2 walk up would seem like a plod though.

True on the plod fatdad. Like Vladislav I was thinking of the east ridge, which I'd consider to be class 2 via Apline Lake. I wouldn't do it from the saddle with White Mountain (unless I was climbing White Mountain too). Though the N Ridge you mention beats the east ridge too.

This great thread is missing pictures. Let me fix that.

From Tresidder:







From Cathedral:



And from Cathedral crowds
I go on to the silence of the Echos

Vladislav wrote:Considering that you are going in June, the best bet would be to do Cathedral. The hike in is very short, so you might consider adding another peak on the same day. Mathers Crest, Echos, or Tresidder will be fine peaks to add.
I would do Cathedral + Tresidder.

I think bagging Matthes Crest with Cathedral in June might be a bit ambitious for most. But a few of the Echoes (or Echo Ridge) or Tresidder with Cathedral would be sweet. Tresidder is a very nice peak (and you can bag Columbia Finger too). Or hell, do Cathedral, Tresidder, Columbia and then head out via Tenaya Peak! That's a fun loop.

Great photos and comments, us NooBs appreciate this. Great thread!! Glad "ClimberJoe" hasn't found it to screw it up, with his screwball comments.

Conness



What a quaint summit!
A giant reptile raising its head,
Its horrendous neck we climb.


* the photo above is by Jeff Moore

Lyell





Like a river
I'll make many turns
Before reaching the end
of the journey

Not challenging, but I feel the best views in the park are from Clouds Rest. Most satisfying class 3/4 thus far for me is either Lyell or Tower.

Too many good options, you really can't make a bad choice for an objective...though be sure to consider the expected conditions in your decision. Enjoy!

dana

great photos Vladislav

Though these three have been mentioned over and over I must echo the sentiments...

Lyell, Cathedral, Matthes Crest (Matthes is great because it's less crowded and a fairly unique climbing experience)