Clyde Minaret

Clyde Minaret and its SE face.

Description 

Clyde Minaret is named after Norman Clyde, the High Sierras most prolific first ascensionist. It is a very fine peak made from, not granite, but a more ancient metamorphic rock, which gives it its characteristic, almost non-Sierra-like shape of a sharp needle (as seen from the ski slopes of Mammoth). Its dark triangular SE face is home to a great classic rock climb.

Getting There 

Red's Meadow is the trailhead. Get their either by shuttle bus from Mammoth during the day, or arrive by car late at night.

Head north on the John Muir Trail at first, then cut left (west) onto an obvious trail which leads to Minaret Lake. On the bench above this lake lies Cecile Lake (10,246ft), where there are limited campsites (7.75 miles, 2,700ft elevation gain).

Get permit information here:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/contact/#wilderness

The Classics

Featured Route For Clyde Minaret

Southeast Face 5.8  CA : High Sierra : Clyde Minaret

Ironically, one of the Sierras greatest Alpine rock climbs isn't even on granite! But rather a steep, smooth rock with angular holds from more ancient times. Watch out for more loose rock than usual.Start the climb up the lefthand gully, uphill from the base of the face. There may be a cairn.P1-2 5.6. Make a long traverse right and slightly upwards then around onto the face proper.P3-7 5.7. There's a shallow dihedral up high on the right side of ...[more]   Browse More Classics in CA

Photos of Clyde Minaret Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: Looking north from the summit of Clyde Minaret	The route follows the prominent blood streak.	Clyde Minaret and Minaret Lake.
Some of the lovely features of this park.	Dinner?	The Minarets from Lake Ediza