Swiss Arete on Mount Sill is another High Sierra classic with a long walk. You can see the route from the road (395) but it looks a long way off and its difficult to work out the exact line of the route. The combination of glacial scenery, high altitude climbing on perfect rock and a remote setting make this a must do route.
Charlotte Dome is a mega classic which should be on the 'to do list' of any rock climber visiting the High Sierra mountains of California. This awesome 1,200 foot dome is situated in the middle of the Sierra a long, long way from the trail head. Although the climbing is not difficult the long approach, mountain weather and logistical considerations mean that failure is a distinct possibility for the unprepared. This only goes to make a successful ascent all the more satisfying and memorable.
Situated in a relatively high-altitude desert basin between the Franklin Mountains to the west and the Hueco Mountains to the east Hueco Tanks is an impressive sight. Its natural battlements and fortifications strike a stark contrast to the surrounding “flatlands” and seen in the fading light the area has an almost other worldly ambiance
Our original plan was attempt an extended traverse of the Sierra Nevada in California from Sonora Pass in the North to Mount Whitney in the South. Watching CNN news at Jonathan’s sister’s house the night before we were due to fly out of Manchester on 13th September ‘01, it seemed unlikely that we would get to the US as soon as we would have wished