Rising sharply to 12,080 feet in California’s rugged Ritter Range, Bedayan Minaret stands as an imposing rock tower wedged between Rice and Dawson Minarets. Unlike its neighbors, Bedayan remains one of the quieter summits in this alpine climbing corridor, drawing climbers mainly as part of the thrilling Minarets skyline traverse. The peak’s distinctive east ridge—a steep, high-elevation rock buttress—is visible from many vantage points around Mammoth Lakes and demands respect for its raw alpine presence.

Accessing Bedayan Minaret involves committing to a substantial approach through some of the High Sierra’s most scenic terrain. Starting at Agnew Meadows, climbers follow the Shadow Creek Trail for roughly 6.8 miles to reach Iceberg Lake, a pristine alpine basin framed by jagged peaks. This lakeside camp offers a perfect base with stunning views, especially at the outlet where hikers can gather strength and prepare for the scramble ahead. From there, a counter-clockwise walk along Iceberg Lake’s northern shoreline leads to a grassy drainage beneath a permanent snowfield. The last push requires ascending about 400 feet of steepening snow, demanding ice axe and crampon skills, to reach the base of Bedayan’s lowest rock buttress—the launch point for climbing the east ridge.

Alternatively, the approach from Devil's Postpile Visitor Center takes you along the Minaret Creek Trail, an approximate 7.5-mile hike to Cecile Lake. This route offers a different angle on the Minarets’ rugged landscape with high alpine meadows and granite cliffs as backdrops. Camping at Cecile Lake places you in a serene setting before traversing 2nd and 3rd-class terrain across the snowfield flanking Clyde Minaret to reach Bedayan’s east ridge.

Bedayan’s classic climb is the East Ridge route, rated 5.10a. This demanding line tests climbers’ technical skills on consistently steep, clean granite, all while offering a high-alpine ambiance uncommon on many climbs in the Sierra. While the grade suggests a challenging experience, the route rewards with exposure, solid rock, and the unmistakable thrill of scaling one of the Ritter Range’s purest rock features. For those aiming to tick classic climbs in the High Sierra, Bedayan’s East Ridge holds a distinct place as a benchmark alpine route with a 3.5-star rating for quality and adventure.

The climbing aspect generally faces east, meaning early mornings bring crisp shade with warming sun as the day progresses—ideal for spring through early fall ascents when snowfields are more stable and weather tends to settle. Seasonal weather in this area can shift rapidly, so climbers should be prepared for sudden changes at high elevation—storms, cold snap, and snow can all show up in an instant.

Descent is straightforward for experienced climbers: once at the summit, continuing the traverse toward Rice Minaret offers an accessible route down. Most climbers opt to rappel or downclimb sections conservatively, making sure to respect loose rock and variable terrain on the approach and exit.

Gear considerations for Bedayan demand a versatile alpine rack including protection for snow and rock. Tri-cams and mid-size nuts are advisable, along with multiple slings for the varied cracks and flakes along the east ridge. Approaching Snowfield means bring your ice axe and crampons for secure travel across the steep snow slope, especially early in the season.

Situated within the High Sierra, the climbing here is remote yet not inaccessible—your hike to basecamp passes pristine granite basins and fragrant alpine forests. The environment is protected, emphasizing Leave No Trace ethics to preserve the fragile wilderness. Climbers can expect breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Minarets skyline, reflective crystal lakes, and the expansive Sierra Nevada wilderness, making every effort worth the immersive outdoor experience.

Bedayan Minaret is an adventure built on patience and preparation. The routes are technical, the approach unhurried, and the surroundings awe-inspiring. Whether you’re linking the Minarets skyline or making a dedicated ascent, Bedayan offers a memorable alpine climbing challenge framed by the raw beauty and solitude that only the High Sierra can provide.