Programs in the United States - California
The Sierra Nevada, Mt. Whitney, and Joshua Tree
In California, American Alpine Institute holds permits to operate in the Eastern Sierra Nevada, including Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States, and in Joshua Tree National Park. Together with Red Rock, Nevada, these areas form the core of our Southwest Campus, where we offer our entire climbing curriculum with the sole exception of more advanced glacier travel, which requires larger glaciers than those found in the Sierra.
Programs in the United States - California
The Sierra Nevada, Mt. Whitney, and Joshua Tree
A climber on a winter ascent of Mount Whitney's Mountaineer's Route. Chris Brinlee, Jr.Mount Whitney, at 14,505 feet, is the highest peak in the lower 48 states, and boasts several moderate rock climbs and scrambles on excellent quality granite. Avoid the crowds on the hiking path by climbing one of these three moderate, classic alpine climbs, in any season, and either privately or with a group.
- Location:Mt. Whitney, California
- Season:May - October
- Length:3-5 days
- Cost:2:1= $465/person/day or 3:1= $350/person/day
A climber works up the fantastic North Ridge of Lone Pine Peak (5.5, III). Photo by Mike PowersSome of the most inspirational and beautiful lines in North America may be found on remote, high and wild alpine peaks. The first part of this two-part program introduces climbers to the art of alpine rock climbing. The second part expands on the knowledge presented in the first part and provides climbers with the skills and techniques to lead their own alpine rock routes.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, CA; Rocky Mountain NP, CO
- Season:May - September
- Length:6 or 12 days
- Cost:$1920 ($3600 for Parts 1 and 2)
Students practicing multi-pitch techniques at Crystal Crag, near Mammoth. Michael PowersLike our well-known Alpine Mountaineering and Technical Leadership - Part 1, this course introduces snow, ice, and alpine rock climbing skills at a moderate difficulty level. Participants learn fundamentals of snow climbing in the non-glaciated setting of the Eastern Sierra, then focus on alpine rock and ice while tackling major routes such as the Swiss Arete on Mt. Sill (14,153) and the U-Notch Couloir on North Palisade (14,242').
- Location:Eastern Sierra, CA
- Season:June - September
- Length:12 Days
- Cost:Cost - $3195 2:1
Heading back to camp in the Eastern Sierra. Dylan TaylorA skills focused course designed to transition mountaineers and experienced backpackers to alpine travel and climbing in Winter conditions. Held in the Mount Whitney Zone, of the Eastern Sierra.
- Location:Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:December - March
- Length:5 days
- Cost:$1895
Rope teams using two-tool technique as they near the exit of the V-Notch Couloir. Michael PowersAlpine ice persists year-round in many shaded couloirs and gullies in the high Sierra. This terrain is the perfect outdoor classrooms for teaching alpine ice climbing, one of the fundamental skills of mountaineering.
This course will prepare you for any alpine ice you would encounter in the Sierras and give you a solid base for climbing on larger glaciers in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
- Location:Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:June - September
- Length:6 Days
- Cost:Private Rates
A climber learns rock-climbing fundamentals while protected by a top-rope. Scott SchumannA four-day intensive course that provides beginners and indoor climbers with a foundation in outdoor climbing techniques and the principals of rock climbing technical systems. By the end of the program, climbers will be able to belay, rappel, and set-up their own single-pitch top-rope systems to enable them to climb independently.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year-round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$975
A climber practices taking a lead fall on day three of AAI's Learn to Lead course. AAI CollectionThe objective of the Learn to Lead program is to introduce climbers to the techniques required for leading single and multi-pitch traditional rock routes, while advancing technical and movement skills.
- Location:Washington, British Columbia, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and California
- Season:Year Round
- Length:4 days
- Cost:$995
Climbing at the limit of one's ability requires a high level of mental discipline. Warrior's WayThis 1-day field seminar, designed by Arno Ilgner, addresses fear of falling and improving commitment. We'll do falling, movement, and resting exercises and apply all learned skills to a challenging route.
- Location:California and Nevada
- Season:Varies
- Length:1 day
- Cost:$450
AAI climbers as they ascend the Swiss Arete of Mt. Sil. Kevin McGarityEver since the days of famous early mountaineers like Clarence King and John Muir, the Eastern Sierra has been known as one of the most serenely beautiful alpine areas in America.
- Location:Eastern Sierra Nevada, California
- Season:April - October
- Length:Varies
- Cost:Cost varies, see program details
Granite domes, yucca, and Joshua trees – recipe for a perfect climbing vacation. Dyan PadagasJoshua Tree National Park is a true winter playground for climbers of all levels, and the ultimate climbing road-trip destination. The area touts high quality rock with abundant cracks, challenging edges, and a very high friction factor. Come enjoy the sun with us and try climbing outdoors for the first time, learn to lead, or perfect your crack technique in an other-worldly landscape.
- Location:Joshua Tree National Park, CA
- Season:October - May
- Length:1 day and up
- Cost:$430/day for one climber; lower rates for larger groups
A climber follows a pitch on Chouinard Falls, Lee Vining Canyon, CA. Ian McEleneyThe introductory course will teach new ice climbers the basics of ice climbing, crampons, ice tools, ice screws, belaying, knots and top-rope climbing techniques - all the basics required to be a competent top-roping ice climbing partner. The intermediate course will cover ice climbing techniques on steeper ground and gain the skills to follow and lead ice climbs in a multi-pitch setting.
- Location:Washington, Colorado, and California
- Season:January - March
- Length:2-day Intro Course / 5-day Intermediate Course
- Cost:$650 for Intro Course / $1495 for Intermediate Course
A climber learning rock technique on a top-rope. Jason MartinThe 3-day SPI Course is designed to enable capable recreational rock climbers to become effective rock climbing instructors. The 2-day SPI Exam tests students' performance of industry standard practices.
- Location:Washington, California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado
- Season:Year-round
- Length:Course: 3 days. Exam: 2 days. Refresher: 1 day.
- Cost:Course: from $650, Exam: $450, Refresher: $200
Program Finder