Climbing Information Center Weekends Only

September 17th

Another beautiful day after the storm!  Yesterday was a bit blustery as the storm delivered a solid blow (70mph at Muir) as well as heavy rain (2.4 inches at Paradise).  For the skiers in the crowd, the freezing level (about 11,000' elevation) unfortunately resulted in more rain than snow on the Muir Snowfield, but winter may be back again next week!  For the climbers, the heavy rain and relatively high freezing level  resulted in a hard frozen layer for much of the mid mountain.  As the storm cooled, it eventually transitioned to snow.  Conditions like this make for more challenging footing and self-arrest.  While it's unclear just how high the frozen layer may exist, climbers should be prepared for much more difficult climbing over the next few days, until either another snowstorm buries the frozen layer, or it warms up enough to thaw things out.  Regardless, it's beautiful up here now with a new dusting of white offset by all the fall colors!

Climber Self-registration Kiosk

Now for some logistics...  The Climbing Information Center will only be open during the weekends in September.  We close during the weekdays due to low volume, but open back up Saturday and Sunday for business - 08:00 to 16:30.  Swing on in and say "hello" before heading out on your adventures if you visit on the weekend.  Climbers can self-register at Paradise when the Climbing Information Center is closed.  There's a kiosk with all the instructions to get you a climbing pass (if you still need one this year) and to fill out a permit/check-out card.

Parking at Paradise will also change in September due to a paving project.  Here's the gist: if you want to park overnight, please park in the Paradise Picnic Area or along the Paradise Valley Road.  See this press release for further details and a helpful map!