Mount Tyndall North Rib
The most direct non-technical route to the summit of Tyndall.
Alpine Climbing Easy
- Distance
- 4.4 km
- Ascent
- 603 m
- Descent
- 603 m
- Low Point
- 3.7 km
- High Point
- 4.3 km
- Gradient
- 28˚
At 14,025 feet, Mount Tyndall is the 10th tallest of California's 14ers. It's an impressive-looking peak with many routes to its summit, but all are quite remote, involving a long approach on either the Shepherd Pass Trail or John Muir Trail. The route mapped here is an out-and-back from the main camping area at Shepherd Pass, descending the same way. If the exposure on the North Rib feels a bit much, you could instead hike down the Northwest Ridge for a less-exposed but longer alternative.
Description
From a distance the North Rib of Mount Tyndall looks intimidating, but upon closer inspection it's a fairly straightforward hike/scramble up relatively stable rock. Once you are on the rib, it's easy to discern the path of least resistance and stay on Class 3 terrain. There is optional Class 4 terrain, however, which you can take for more direct and more exciting variations.
You will more or less follow the crest of the rib until the top, where it joins the summit ridge. When approaching the top of the rib, you should trend left to reach an obvious notch in the ridgeline (there is another obvious notch to the right, but reaching it is more difficult). Once crossing through the notch, it's easy boulder hopping the rest of the way to the summit.
Difficulty
Easy
The ascent involves simple glacier hiking and/or short, straightforward rock scrambles. Equivalent to Alpine F, F+
Medium Exposure
The route features some exposed and/or difficult to protect sections.
Remoteness
Away from help but easily accessed.