Looking for some recommendations for day-hikes in the Palisades of the class-3 variety. This would be in August, to avoid snow (shouldn't be difficult this year). Bonus points if the route is class-3 upwards and less than that downwards.

Did Cloudripper last year via the west chute and loved it (for a point of reference). Seeing the Palisades from the peak got me itching to check them out.

Thanks.

Check this out.
http://www.scaruffi.com/travel/midpalis.html
I'll do this hike next week. Supposedly wonderful class 3 climb on the final ascent. G

Mt. Winchell's East Arête

is a really fun 3rd class climb that offers exposure higher up, a small, spectacular summit (you really know when you are there), and great views of the rest of the Palisades.

You're talking about long day hikes. Also, the request for routes that are class 3 up, but not down, is worth pointing out since you shouldn't have any problems climbing down something you're proposing to climb up. Just saying.

Anyways, Winchell has been mentioned. The other obvious choice is Middle Palisade, which has a great class 3 route up it's East Face (it's also the descent). Another mellow climb is Mt. Gayley. Not a huge day of climbing (though it will be a long day from the car) but the views of both sides of the Palisades from the top can't be beat.

fatdad wrote:You're talking about long day hikes. Also, the request for routes that are class 3 up, but not down, is worth pointing out since you shouldn't have any problems climbing down something you're proposing to climb up. Just saying.

Good point. On Winchell (e.g.) there is no easier way down, and if you get off route you can find yourself in class 4+ terrain. If you'd be willing to consider something class 2, Agassiz is pretty cool and is easily accessible from Bishop Pass (my profile photo is sunrise over Agassiz). Peter Croft called it the best non technical climb he's done.

Thanks all. Understood on the don't-climb-what-you-can't-descend philosophy. It's just a preference of mine to descend an easier way when possible -- as well as, in general, doing loops instead of out-and-backs.

Will look at Gayley and Agassiz as well.

TBARANSKI,
If you follow the trail up South Fork (Big Pine Creek) from the end of the road, it is an easy hike up to Brainard Lake (where the trail ends). There are several unnamed lakes above Brainard that are at tree line and have excellent campsites. From there, you have a central location to explore the entire upper basin of the South Fork (The Thumb, Middle Palisade, and Norman Clyde and the glaciers below them). The terrain is fantastic,...and, the sheer variety of climbing challenges is immense. There are huge pinnacled, walls that don't even get a mention in Secor's, High Sierra.
...Anyway,...if you scramble up to Finger Lake (there is a crude trail), you will get an exceptional view of the face of the Middle Palisade,...and Norman Clyde. I would take a rope, and an experienced climbing partner. I've heard alot of people mention that class three route up Middle Palisade, but, it sure doesn't look class three from the glacier.