Despite my prior thoughts that I'd run out of peaks for the Sierra Challenge, I've managed to find some obscure but still interesting summits to chase after this August. We're going to visit Northern Yosemite, the Minarets, the Glacier Divide, the Evolution Region, the Palisades, and the Whitney region, among others.

The all-new 2011 Sierra Challenge gives you ten days in August to challenge your stamina and your sanity amidst the beauty that is the Sierra Nevada. Leave your heavy backpacks and marginal camp foods behind. Climb some impressive peaks with a daypack and enjoy fine Eastern Sierra cuisine at day's end. Join us for one day or all ten, to test your legs in the backcountry or just to meet fellow SPers. We already have a handful of folks signed up this year, always room for more.

For those who aren't familiar with the yearly Challenge, in a nutshell - we drive up and down the Eastern Sierra for ten days and climb 1-2 cool peaks each day. Mostly carrying a light daypack, sometimes crampons/axe. It's primarily a hike/scramble event, with little technical rock climbing. It's generally a pretty exhausting day, but most participants would use the word "fun" somewhere in their varying descriptions. This is not a race, there are no official sponsors, and there are no prizes. There is are no qualifications to join in the fun - everyone is welcome. The link above will give you all the info. Some past moments:

2001: Mt. Lyell


2002: Thunderbolt Peak


2003: Mt. Gabb


2004: Palisade Crest


2005: Clyde Spires


2006: Mt. Powell


2007: The Doodad


2008:Picture Peak


2009: Mt. McGee


2010: Mt. Morgenson

Aw shucks, I may not be able to meet up with you guys and gals this year! I'll be in Colorado all summer working, but perhaps I'll be able to muster up enough money to get out there for the week, we'll see.

Wow, that looks fun, I'm tempted except for my knees—only so much cartilage left!

Looking forward to joining this group again in 2011. Renewing some old friendships and meeting some new folks too. Beautiful area to hike and climb.

I greatly look forward to attending, vicariously, from my desk by reading the reports.

Reports from the last few years have left me green with envy. This year - I expect to have a good amount of free time in August and hope to join in on the fun!

Bob, I'm very seriously considering joining you guys for at least a portion of the challenge this year. Unfortunately I've kind of let myself go the last couple months so if I can get back in top shape without getting injured I'll be in for at least a weekend and maybe the entire week if I can talk the wife into it.

Just under two months to go, the snow is melting fast and Tioga Pass just opened. If you've thought about joining us over the years, now's the time to sign up and start getting in shape. You don't need to be uber-fit, just bring a good attitude to have fun. Even if you only have a single day, it's a great experience!

I am living proof there is a wide range of abilities that join Bob's Sierra Challenge every year. Currently the age range of participants is between 25 and 61 years old. I don't compete with others as much as compete against myself (my previous years experience). If your training back home includes outings of 15 miles with 4000 feet of elevation, you enjoy some cross country navigation, and are comfortable with at least class 2 and 3 climbing situations; I think you may have a pretty good time with this group. It does help to have a couple of days of Sierra hiking/climbing prior to the event to get acclimated. Always fun to meet some new folks. If you have been on the sidelines in years past, maybe this is your year to join in mix.

I'm in the middle of the age group at 39 and plan to join for the Saturday and Sunday climbs. Unfortunately I can't get out of work during the week.

Keeping my fingers crossed to be able to come out and play for at least a few days with Bob and the Burdites. No matter what, though, thinking of you guys and gals while you're out romping in my backyard.

Like Scott says, this is a great group of people who have a lot of fun at what they do (even if a few of them DO thrive on the competition...).

Climb Hard, Be Safe!

-L

MooseTracks wrote:(even if a few of them DO thrive on the competition...)

Though my daughter is too young to join in, she has convinced her ultra-competitive friend to sign up and give the others a run for their money. Here he is going over maps and route strategy.

I see that you are planning to climb Waller Minaret on Monday, Aug 12th. I'll be on Clyde Minaret that day and will keep a long distance eye out for you Sierra Challengers. We'll be camped on the north side of Garnet Lake and hiking from opposite directions, so I probably won't see you on the trail through. If by chance you pass our way, stop by and say hello.

Alpinist wrote:I see that you are planning to climb Waller Minaret on Monday, Aug 12th. I'll be on Clyde Minaret that day and will keep a long distance eye out for you Sierra Challengers. We'll be camped on the north side of Garnet Lake and hiking from opposite directions, so I probably won't see you on the trail through. If by chance you pass our way, stop by and say hello.

You won't have to look that far. There are at least three participants and probably more that will be ascending Clyde Minaret instead, so if you're on the Rock Route you'll likely not be alone. They'll probably be at Cecile Lake around 9:30am.

Bob Burd wrote:

Alpinist wrote:I see that you are planning to climb Waller Minaret on Monday, Aug 12th. I'll be on Clyde Minaret that day and will keep a long distance eye out for you Sierra Challengers. We'll be camped on the north side of Garnet Lake and hiking from opposite directions, so I probably won't see you on the trail through. If by chance you pass our way, stop by and say hello.

You won't have to look that far. There are at least three participants and probably more that will be ascending Clyde Minaret instead, so if you're on the Rock Route you'll likely not be alone. They'll probably be at Cecile Lake around 9:30am.

That's great! I look forward to it.