Cloudripper, standing tall at 13,532 feet in California’s High Sierra near Bishop, offers climbers a straightforward yet rewarding experience that balances challenge with approachability. First ascended by legendary mountaineer Norman Clyde in 1926, this peak invites adventurers to explore a range of routes that span from walk-up class 2 slopes to more engaging class 3 scrambles. Its proximity to the South Lake trailhead means it’s an excellent option for early season outings or days when you want to avoid the longest, toughest hikes the High Sierra often demands.

For climbers looking for a solid day trip, the ascent routes West Chute and North Slope provide direct, steady approaches from the Bishop side. Starting about 15 miles west on Highway 168 from Bishop, you’ll find the South Lake Road turnoff, and shortly after a 6-mile drive, a trailhead parking lot complete with bear boxes and restrooms welcomes you. Here the trailhead offers a good spot to organize gear before setting off across terrain that gradually shifts from forested paths to rugged alpine ridges.

Alternatively, the East Ridge route offers a longer yet easier option accessed from Big Pine via the Glacier Lodge road. This path is ideal for hikers who want a gentler grade or prefer an extended time on the trail. Glacier Lodge’s parking is convenient for day hikers, although overnight visitors should note the parking fee and the half-mile walk from a lower lot.

The climbing routes themselves are characterized by solid Sierra granite and straightforward route-finding. While Cloudripper doesn’t showcase heavily technical pitches, it demands respect for variable alpine conditions and careful route choice. The West Chute, rated with a 3.5-star classic climb status, rewards those who tackle it with well-protected scramble climbing that tests balance and route judgment more than technical rope work. Other routes like the E Ridge, N Slope, and W Chute vary between easy class 2 terrain and steeper class 3 sections, perfect for gaining confidence on loose rock and alpine exposure.

Though the area lacks a diverse range of technical climbs, the simplicity here is Cloudripper’s strength. It offers an immersive encounter with the High Sierra’s raw environment—clear air, sweeping mountain panoramas, and the satisfying crunch of granite underfoot. Spring through early fall is prime climbing season, as snow can linger into early summer, but the location’s accessible elevation means it often thaws earlier than more remote peaks.

Visitors should prepare for standard alpine hazards including rapidly changing weather, limited shade on the ridges, and the possibility of loose rock, especially on the chute and steeper routes. Bear boxes and restrooms at the trailhead support responsible stewardship in this region, which is protected within the High Sierra wilderness zones. Approaching Cloudripper requires solid fitness and mountain sense, but it rewards climbers with a genuine alpine atmosphere without the long approach or technical intensity found elsewhere in the Sierra.

In short, Cloudripper stands out as a rewarding option for climbers and scramblers seeking an accessible High Sierra summit that offers a mix of terrain challenges, breathtaking views, and well-maintained trail access. Classic routes such as the West Chute are highly regarded, while other ridges and slopes invite climbers to enjoy a well-paced day above the treeline. Whether you’re acclimatizing, training early in the season, or simply seeking a memorable High Sierra adventure, Cloudripper delivers a climbs that blend rugged beauty with sensible, manageable demands.