Perched high above Tioga Road at roughly 10,500 feet, the Warren Towers stand out boldly on California's Eastern Sierra skyline. These striking granite spires—notably the North, Middle, and South Towers—offer climbers a blend of history and adventure that demands respect and preparation. The North Warren Tower holds climbing history dating back to at least 1930, though the earliest ascent details remain faded by time. More recently, climbers like Chuck Calef and Darien Raistrick have added modern routes such as "Purist or Luddite" on the Middle Tower, signaling renewed interest and the opportunity for exploration on these rugged formations.

Approaching Warren Towers is a commitment in itself—a demanding 2.5-hour hike that climbs steadily from the US 120 pullout just below the Blue Slide, a recognizable spot where Caltrans sometimes leaves heavy equipment. The trail is long and unyielding, rising through forested sections before opening to exposed rock and sweeping views of the surrounding Sierra wilderness. Prepare your legs and pack plenty of water: this approach isn’t for casual strollers but for those ready to earn their alpine climbing experience.

Once on the granite summits, the rewards are panoramic and profound. Climbers will find modest but memorable routes, such as the classic "Gabel-Hartouni" (rated 5.8), which highlights the character of climbing here—solid, traditional, and steeped in the area's early climbing tradition. The South Tower, marked by a summit cairn, hints at potential new lines worth exploring, though be warned that committing to the long approach demands firmness of purpose.

Getting down from the North Tower involves tactical rappelling—two ropes are needed to safely descend the back side onto a talus at the top of the approach gully. From there, retrace your steps carefully on the steep descent trail. Experience with rappelling and route-finding will serve you well here as the exposure and terrain require a steady head and well-practiced skills.

Weather in this high alpine corridor shifts quickly. Daytime highs are variable, and precipitation is seasonal, so the prime climbing window centers on the warmer months with mostly stable conditions. Expect cold snaps and storms to roll in rapidly especially outside summer. Early season snowmelt may affect the trail and initial approach conditions.

Gear for Warren Towers should reflect the traditional nature of the climbs and the approach. A well-rounded rack with medium to large cams and nuts is advisable as fixed gear is minimal; bring double ropes if you’re planning the rappels. Due to the long approach and exposed terrain, pack layers for variable conditions and ensure reliable footwear for talus and trail hiking.

Warren Towers may not offer sprawling walls or sprawling route lists, but their appeal lies in the combination of alpine solitude, classic crack lines, and the challenge of operating in a high-elevation wilderness playground. Climbing here is a rite of passage for those keen on the Sierra Nevada peaks, providing a satisfying blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you seek the nostalgia of climbs like Gabel-Hartouni or crave the solitude of a lesser-traveled summit, Warren Towers delivers a textured alpine experience worth the journey.