BISHOP CRAGGIN' CLASSIC

October 18-20, 2024

The American Alpine Club and Tenaya invite you to the world-class climbing mecca of Bishop, CA for the Bishop Craggin' Classic, this October 18-20!

Our Bishop Craggin’ is so popular that we decided to move our location this year to accommodate more climbers like you! We’ll be hosting the festivities on Church Street, right in the heart of the town of Bishop. Explore the crimpy boulders of this breathtaking mountainous desert environment, help raise money for the AAC and BACC, and enjoy the prime sending temps.

This 3-day event will also include clinics led by pro climbers and guides, the cutest crag dog contest, yoga classes, an artisan market and vendor village, stewardship opportunities, a silent auction to score deals on gear, delicious food, and FREE BEER. This year our vendor village will be at 327 Church St. Bishop, CA. A unique feature of this Craggin’ is the annual performance by AkaMya Cultural Group, who perform Native dance and educational presentations to honor the land we are recreating on. 

The Craggin’ at Bishop always has a lot of heart, but the soul of this event is climbers like you! Grab your climbing shoes and join us!

Space is limited and THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!

ACCESSIBILITY We are working on creating this event to have more accessibility points for those in need of interpreting services or other assistance. Please reach out before October 1st if you are interested in requesting any specific services to maximize your time at the Bishop Craggin’ Classic.


A big shout-out to our incredible Guide Sponsor, Sierra Mountain Guides, for their years of partnership in making the Bishop Craggin' Classic clinics accessible to all. Each clinic is led by Sierra Mountain Guides' highly qualified team of AMGA-certified guides, ensuring a top-notch experience for all participants. Make sure to follow their Instagrm @sierramountainguides for the other adventures and experiences they offer.


Pricing

General Weekend Pass: $60
Includes:  AAC swag; free drinks for 21+; access to the event from Friday-Sunday.

Friday Clinics: $60
Clinics run from 12pm-4pm on Friday, October 18
Clinic details and list located below the event schedule.

Saturday Clinics: $110
Clinics run from 8am-4pm on Saturday, October 19
Clinic details and list located below the event schedule

Saturday Workshops: $30-60
Workshops run from 9am-12pm on Saturday, October 19
Workshops details and list located below the event schedule.

Sunday Clinic: $110

2-Day Clinic: $200

*AAC Members get $10 off registration!


American Alpine Club Members Receive Discounted Craggin’ Tickets!

Join or renew your membership with the AAC—the biggest community of climbers in the country—and help protect the heart of climbing. We’re fighting for the quiet and wild climbing landscapes, and the most popular crags too. Join us in this fight today and get this limited edition t-shirt!


Event Schedule

  • 6:00 PM: Join local climbing organization, the Bishop Area Climbers Coalition, for a fun evening showing Reel Rock 18!! Buy tickets here! 

    Immerse yourself in four new climbing films from across the globe: a visionary first ascent on Japan’s mythical Mt. Mizugaki; a climbing community held together in war-torn Ukraine; a treacherous free ascent of Jirishanca in the Peruvian Andes; and an exploration of Mallorca’s deep-water soloing. Presented by The North Face, supported by Black Diamond and Yeti. Tour calendar & tickets coming soon at reelrocktour.com.

    Featuring athletes Angie Scarth Johnson, Hazel Findlay, Sachi Amma, Josh Wharton, Vince Anderson, Matt Groom, Danyil Boldyrev & more.

    No weekend pass necessary! 


    Tickets are $20 at the gate and support BACC’s local educational programming and stewardship. Beer from the Mountain Rambler will be provided for an extra donation :). Bring your own cup to help cut down on waste! There will be a raffle with a host of awesome goodies.

  • 12 PM - 4 PM | Clinics
    There are a limited number of half day clinics. You can sign up for both a Friday and Saturday clinic. Registered attendees will meet at the Church Street Venue at 11:40 AM and receive an entry wristband and swag after the clinics! See clinic details below for clinic descriptions and details.

    4:00 PM | Check In Opens at 327 Church St.
    No physical ticket needed! We’ll have you on our list. Please remember to bring your photo ID. 

    4 PM - 4:45 PM | Community Yoga for Climbers with Jean Tucky
    Join the Yoga for Climbers practice Friday at 4:00 PM with Jean Tucky. Jean’s wholehearted approach to yoga focuses on the breath, mind and body to elevate inner-strength and facilitate climbing movement. The 45-minute asana practice will stretch shoulders, wrists, hips, lower back, hamstrings and quads. The community class is donation based and suggested donation $5-10 via cash or Venmo @jean-tucky. Donations are not necessary, but appreciated. Please bring your own mat! Meet at the main event venue by the gazebo.

    5 PM | Weekend Kickoff Party and Games Start
    Stop by Vendor Village for fun contests, cold beverages, and to win stuff! Buy raffle tickets at the AAC booth and win an assortment of amazing goods we’ve received from our sponsors! Enjoy local food trucks and mingle with fellow climbers.

    5 PM | Silent Auction Opens
    Thanks to our generous sponsors and community members, we have a bunch of amazing prizes lined up for you to win! Proceeds benefit your American Alpine Club’s work protecting wild places, educating climbers, and building community, so be sure to bid on some amazing items. Silent Auction located by the main event tent. Auction closes at 8:30pm on Saturday!

    5 PM - 6PM | AkaMya Presentation
    A high energy presentation by AkaMya Dancers, singers, and presenters will incorporate Paiute/Taso Pueblo Heritage and social pow wow dances, singing, interaction, and Payahünadü Nümü land acknowledgment. Organized by local Sage Romero with guest Artist, Instructor, and Presenter Cheyenne Shashoni Daniel. Cheyenne Shashoni Daniel comes to us from the Haliwa-Saponi Indian Tribe of Hollister, North Carolina and is a former Miss Indian North Carolina 2019-2022, graduate of East Carolina University, Pow Wow and Hoop Dancer. All are welcome to join and meet Cheyenne. Located at the Church St. Main stage.

    7 PM | Raffle #1
    We want everyone to have a chance at winning something this weekend so we have MORE amazing prizes lined up for you, so help support the American Alpine Club by buying some raffle tickets! Raffle winners will be announced & prizes distributed in the main event tent.

    7:30 PM | Films at Bishop Twin Theater (237 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514)

    Science of the Sublime by film by  Emanuel Röhss 
    Science Of The Sublime explores the experience of time in the High Sierra, California. It is a journey tackled through the eyes and words of the director in conversation with people who have gleaned significant experience of this environment: writers, scientists, climbers, and skiers. The film aims to unravel what it is that makes us want to return to this place, what compels some of us to suffer through days and nights of hardship to get back up here time and again, to experience something we can't encounter anywhere else in the world. (15 min)

    Beyond Ascents - film by Jessica Chen and Eric Fallecker 
    Andrew Alexander King is an alpinist, big wave surfer, diver and explorer who noticed a stark lack of diversity in outdoor recreation. Since George Floyd’s death, his goal has been creating a space for people of color to feel included in the American outdoors. Stick around for a Q&A with Andrew, Dom, and Eric! (8 min)

    Ground Up - featuring Amity Warme, presented by Arc’teryx 
    While the iconic lines on the west face of El Cap lure crowds, the rarely climbed and incredibly committing east side of the stone lures the bold and daring. Far from lacking character, the routes here deliver world-class face climbing and epitomize the technical and adventurous style that has quickly become Amity Warme’s calling card. Going for a ground up, free ascent of El Niño (5.13 b/c), Warme and her partner Brent Barghahn commit to the unknown, face storms, and forge a lasting partnership as she attempts to become the first woman to climb the route. (30 min)

    9 PM | After Party
    After the films, head back to the venue and enjoy live bands and a drink from the local breweries!

  • 7 AM - 8:30 AM | Breakfast for Clinic Participants Provided by Climbers for Christ
    Start your day off right with breakfast from our friends at Climbers for Christ! Help us keep the event green by bringing your plate, mug, and utensils. Coffee will be available for purchase at Black Sheep Coffee Roasters.

    8:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Climber’s Coffee at the Pit Campground
    Hosted by the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, enjoy free, hot coffee with the Bishop Area Climbing Rangers. Come learn about current conditions, local ethics, and best practices when it comes to Leave No Trace.

    8 AM - 4 PM | Clinics
    Saturday morning will start bright and early with a full lineup of climbing clinics taught by pros and local guiding outfit Sierra Mountain Guides—these cover a range of important and useful skills appropriate for any level climber. Please show up 15-20 minutes early, ready to go at Church Street, at the event headquarters in downtown Bishop. Keep an eye out for signs with the name of your clinic. See below for clinic descriptions and details.

    9AM -12PM: Workshops
    Keep an eye out when entering the vendor village for the talented instructors that will be teaching a variety of workshops to attend for the weekend. Workshops range in price and time frame. Make sure to check out the activities located under the Clinic Descriptions.


    9 AM - 3 PM : Meet-Ups
    We are excited to be offering a variety of meet ups for this year’s event hosted by Climb United and Eastern Sierra Pride! Check out the descriptions below to find out more about these offerings.

    2:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Makers Market at Church Street
    Discover local artists and shop nature-inspired ceramics, rope art, jewelry, photography, paintings, and more from local makers! Open to the public!

    Our current list of makers and artists includes: Foxtail Pine Designs, Anjuli Deb, Kook Industries, Tree of Life Essentials, The Vibrant Perspective, Sierra Fairy Creations, Amy’s Rope Art and Clarky Co.

    5 PM: Silent Auction Opens (again)
    We believe in second chances, so if you missed yesterday’s silent auction biddings now’s your time to shine! Thanks to our generous sponsors and community members, we have a bunch of amazing prizes lined up for you to win! Proceeds benefit your American Alpine Club’s work protecting wild places, educating climbers, and building community, so be sure to bid on some amazing items.

    5 PM - 5:45 PM | Community Yoga for Climbers with Jean Tucky at City Park
    Join the Yoga for Climbers practice Saturday at 5:00 pm with Jean Tucky. Jean’s wholehearted approach to yoga focuses on the breath, mind and body to elevate inner-strength and facilitate climbing movement. The 45-minute asana practice will stretch shoulders, wrists, hips, lower back, hamstrings and quads. The community class is donation based and suggested donation $5-10 via cash or Venmo @jean-tucky. Donations are not necessary, but appreciated.

    Location will be dependent on weather.

    6:00 PM: Mutt Strut | Cutest Crag Dog Contest
    Think you have the cutest crag dog in the Eastern Sierra? Or perhaps the one with the best tricks? Let your mutt strut their stuff in our first ever cutest crag dog contest! Participants will have the opportunity to walk their pooch through the Vendor Village and up onto the stage for a maximum of thirty seconds while our audience picks their favorite pet. Sign up on-site. Registration is FREE! Dogs must be dog-friendly and must remain on a leash the entire time they are in the Vendor Village.

    6:30 PM - 8 PM | Films at Bishop Twin Theatre - 237 N Main St, Bishop, CA 93514

    6:30 - 7 PM The Sierra Nevada: adapting to our changing climate -  a local film by Miya Tsudome
    Join us in considering the impact of climate change on the Eastern Sierras. Stick around after the film to ask Miya questions about her film and process!

    7 PM - 7:30 PM WEEKLONG - a film by Brooke Raines 
    WEEKLONG follows the transformative journey of foster and underserved young adults as they embark on an ambitious mission to summit one of Southern California's most grueling peaks – San Gorgonio. This deeply human story explores each participant's inner and outer experiences during their first weeklong backpacking trip at the end of a 7-month program led by the San Diego-based nonprofit Foster the Earth. This short and sweet film explores inequities in the outdoors, the barriers we must push past to achieve our goals, and the common footing we find on the trail.

    7:30 - 8 PM Beyond the Climb - Presented by Sterling
    Mentorship has a profound and lasting impact for Marcus Garcia. Editing this film sparked unexpected emotions, from longing for his late mentor to joy over the positive influence he could see himself having. This film emphasizes that the climb's true value lies in the lessons learned and the community built. Mentorship has been crucial for Marcus’ growth, and its effects are evident in the generations of climbers this film showcases. The ripple effects of mentorship are powerful and enduring, extending far beyond the climb itself.

    7:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Poster Signing with Brooke Rabattoue 
    Join Brooke at the Petzl tent for an exclusive poster signing event! Don't miss your chance to meet America’s first Climbing Olympic Medalist, grab a signed poster, and chat with a climbing legend!7:30PM: Sponsor Games!
    Mountain Hardwear - Sleeping Bag Races

    8:15 PM: Raffle #2 at Church Street
    We want everyone to have a chance at winning something this weekend so we have MORE amazing prizes lined up for you, so help support the American Alpine Club by buying some raffle tickets! Raffle winners will be announced & prizes distributed in the main event tent.

    8:30 PM: Silent Auction Closes (for good)
    Climbing gear, art, and more! Winners will be announced over the PA system to come pick up their merchandise at the main event tent.

    10 PM - 1 AM | After Party Sponsored by Arcteryx
    Get your boogie on with local bands, DJs, and music!

  • 8AM - 12PM | Stewardship Project sponsored by Arc’teryx 
    Meet the team that makes up the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA), Bishop Climbing Rangers Bishop Paiute Tribe and the Bishop Area Climbers Coalition (BACC) to participate in a service project to give back to Payahuunadü : land of the flowing waters. Be ready for the day with all of your long pants and close-toed shoes, lunch, 2 liters of water, sun protection, and any medications you need. Sign up for the stewardship project at the Arc’teryx booth and you will be entered into a special raffle by Arc’teryx!

    Free, participant cap 20

Clinics

The best way to fine-tune your technique or educate yourself on rescue and ropes skills is to take a class from an expert. Sign up for a clinic taught by professional climbing athletes and experienced climbing guides and open yourself to new possibilities, whether that is harder grades, new terrain, or a different style of climbing. Clinics are hosted by local guiding outfit, Sierra Mountain Guides. Clinics are $110. AAC members will receive a $10 discount on weekend passes.

Clinics hold 12 individuals each unless otherwise stated, with 2 instructors per clinic. Please show up 15-20 minutes early, ready to go, at the event headquarters in downtown Bishop. Climbers of all abilities are welcome, though basic climbing knowledge is expected. All clinic attendees will need to fill out a Sierra Mountain Guides waiver, either digitally or on paper before the clinic.

  • Friday Clinics: 12pm - 4pm

  • 2-Day Clinics: 12pm - 4pm on Friday and 8am - 4pm on Saturday

  • Saturday Clinics: 8am - 4pm

  • Sunday Clinics: 8am - 4pm


2-Day Clinics

Friday Clinics

  • Embark upon a true Buttermilk adventure and a journey through local climbing history on this very special guided tour of Smoke's Rock Course led by climbing “golden-era” legend Doug Robinson. Smoke's Rock Course is an old-school, class 3, 4 and 5 scramble across Buttermilk country, first explored by Eastside climbing pioneer Smoke Blanchard. Your adventure will involve scrambling, climbing, chimneys, jumping, scooting, and hopping your way across granite formations and should only be attempted by those with adequate climbing skills and those comfortable climbing 4th and easy 5th class without a rope or harness. This is a true treat, a local’s secret, and some of the most fun you can have on the Eastside! Note: these are two separate clinics; the same course will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday. Limited to 8 participants. If you've taken Smoke's Rock Course before, we kindly ask you to leave space for new participants. This clinic is extremely popular and we'd love to welcome new participants only this year. **Participants may not enroll in multiple days for the Smokes Course. 

    Prerequisites: All levels

    Needed Equipment: Approach shoes

    Participant Cap: 8

  • Over the course of two days, you will learn about all different kinds of rock protection (cams, nuts, hexes, and more), when and where to place them, how to evaluate the safety of pieces you place, techniques for leading efficiently, and the principles of crack climbing techniques. You’ll also get to practice placing gear while climbing and get personalized, real-time feedback in a supportive environment.

    Pre-requisites:

    • Knows how to tie into the rope for climbing

    • Can independently perform safety checks before climbing

    • Capable of comfortably climbing 5.9 while on a top rope

    • Proficient top rope belayer with tube style (ATC) or assisted braking (GriGri) devices

    • Lead climbing and lead belaying experience are recommended, but not required


Saturday Clinics

  • Slap around on some of the finest rock the world has to offer! This bouldering clinic will show you how to best approach outdoor bouldering, place crash pads, spot your climber, and fall outdoors. 

    Prerequisites: Minimal climbing experience needed, welcome to all interested in learning foundational skills of bouldering and climbing movement.

    Needed Equipment: Climbing shoes and chalk. Bring a crash pad if you have one!

    Participant Cap: 12

  • There is a lot of complicated information out there about anchor systems! So let's learn to spot the "good from the bad" and what is essential in your system. In this clinic, Marcus will explain basic anchors systems, discuss what matters most when building anchors, and how to keep a team secure on climbs. This clinic focuses on the simplicity of anchors and will help answer questions about using different anchor setups. Participants will walk away with new knowledge, regardless of their experience levels!

    Prerequisites: Minimal climbing experience needed. This clinic is perfect for those interested in learning foundational skills to build and assess anchors. This clinic is focused in a ground school environment.

    Equipment Needed: Rope, quickdraws, locking carabiners, slings, and prusik cord

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Join us for an unforgettable climbing experience with the legendary Chris Sharma, one of the most iconic figures in the climbing world. This exclusive clinic promises an unforgettable day of climbing, learning, and inspiration, as Chris shares his decades of expertise and passion for the sport.

    Prerequisites: Must be able to lead belay 

    Equipment needed: Personal climbing gear, warm clothes, snacks, water

    Cap: 12

  • Take this opportunity to learn from an athlete who knows a thing or two about mentality on the sharp end. Molly Mitchel became the 7th woman in the world to climb a 5.14 trad route with her send of China Doll 5.14a R Molly also took a 30 foot ground fall on Crank It 13+ X/R broke her back and returned to send it 2 years later. Having a confident climber/belayer relationship- that is not only trust worthy for this process but also in check and as dialed on the route as you. 

    Prerequisites: Lead up to 5.10 sport / 5.8 trad and wanting to expand on their projecting on the sharp end. 

    Required gear: harness, helmet, HiAngle shoe demo available at clinic. 

    Cap: 12

  • Get ready to take your bouldering to the next level with a masterclass featuring two of the sport's brightest stars—Jimmy Webb and Drew Ruana. This exclusive clinic is designed for climbers of all levels who are eager to enhance their bouldering technique, strategy, and overall performance. Join us for a day of  expert insights and hands-on coaching from two of the most dynamic climbers in the world.

    Prerequisites: Basic indoor bouldering experience is encouraged, but not required.

    Equipment Needed: Climbing shoes, crash pad, chalk, snacks, water

    Cap: 12

  • This clinic goes beyond a Gym to Crag clinic by introducing the tools and skills necessary to feel more confident sport climbing and projecting new routes outside. We'll cover some basics of outdoor lead climbing, the “do's and don'ts” of top rope anchors, proper gear choice, with a deeper focus on overcoming mental barriers and projecting techniques. 

    Pre-requisites:
    We encourage participation from those who identify within the LGBTQ+ community, knows how to tie into the rope for climbing, can independently perform safety checks before climbing, capable of comfortably top roping 5.10a in a gym, proficient top rope belayer, lead climbing and lead belaying experience are recommended, but not required

    Lead climbing and lead belaying experience are recommended, but not required.

  • We perform our best on the rock when we strike that perfect balance between relaxation and concentration. We know fear gets in the way of both, big time. Learn tips and strategy to quiet the fear and trust the stoke with Ethan Pringle- a professional climber with 30 years of hard climbing experience. "I know you think you're 'just not strong enough' for that climb you've been dreaming of doing but trust me, you are. Let me show you how.

    Prerequisites: General understanding of lead climbing; managing ropes, clipping bolts, setting up anchors. This clinic is geared towards those wishing to expand their lead climbing potential.

    Needed Equipment: Personal climbing gear, warm clothes, snacks, WATER

    Participant Cap: 12

  • In this clinic, @trangoclimbing content creator @h23studios will work with you from understanding your camera to conveying certain emotions through your work. This is a great clinic for those who want to learn more about tips and tricks for getting into adventure photography and getting a peek behind what goes into some of your favorite shots! Participants must bring their personal camera (phones are welcome!), a good attitude towards constructive criticism, willingness to be a model for others, and your climbing gear!

    Prerequisites: Basic understanding of photography with the desire to amplify your photography skills.

    Needed Equipment: Personal climbing gear, camera

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Sign up for this clinic if you have spent time in the gym but are looking to learn the fundamentals of taking that knowledge to the outdoors. The skills covered in this clinic will be an introduction into top rope anchors, building anchors, knots and hitches, belaying, lowering and rappelling.

    Prerequisites: Top rope belaying, general climbing movement, and general understanding of simple knots

    Needed Equipment: Personal climbing gear

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Join Olympic medalist Brooke Raboutou for a day of climbing in Bishop, CA! As climbers, we often have the drive to push ourselves to our limits by way of projecting- a process that can be both deeply rewarding and also desperately frustrating. There are many factors that go into projecting at your limit “successfully” that go beyond your physical ability and strength. These include both the general and acute mental state, emotions, and ego, which play huge factors into being able to try your hardest while still enjoying the process. In this clinic we will talk about redefining what “success” means, how to reframe failures and deal with frustrations, and also the beauty of the experience of projecting.

    • Prerequisites: Can top rope/lead belay and climb 5.10 in the gym or outside 

    • Needed Equipment: Personal climbing gear, water, sunscreen

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Learn to stay safe while climbing, and better yet, what to do when you find yourself in a tight spot on the rock! This clinic will cover self-rescue basics for single and multi pitch rock climbing.

    Prerequisites: General understanding of knots, hitches, gear and avidly climbs outside.

    Needed Equipment: Rope, Rack, 7mmx5mm cordelette, Personal Prussik, various carabiners

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Embark upon a true Buttermilk adventure and a journey through local climbing history on this very special guided tour of Smoke's Rock Course led by climbing “golden-era” legend Doug Robinson. Smoke's Rock Course is an old-school, class 3, 4 and 5 scramble across Buttermilk country, first explored by Eastside climbing pioneer Smoke Blanchard. Your adventure will involve scrambling, climbing, chimneys, jumping, scooting, and hopping your way across granite formations and should only be attempted by those with adequate climbing skills and those comfortable climbing 4th and easy 5th class without a rope or harness. This is a true treat, a local’s secret, and some of the most fun you can have on the Eastside! Note: these are two separate clinics; the same course will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday. Limited to 8 participants. If you've taken Smoke's Rock Course before, we kindly ask you to leave space for new participants. This clinic is extremely popular and we'd love to welcome new participants only this year. **Participants may not enroll in both Saturday and Sunday.

    Prerequisites: Must have a solid foundation of moving on varied terrain and general climbing movement. This is not a beginner course.

    Needed Equipment: Approach shoes

    Participant Cap: 8

  • This clinic you will learn various crack climbing techniques to improve performance and comfort on all the crack types.Gisely loves to crack climb, and will help you develop a love for it as well. We know crack climbing can feel impossible until you get the technique down, all the splitter routes and multi-pitches will be easier after you take this clinic. Let’s jam!

    Prerequisites:  Top-rope belay outside, foundational climbing movement skills with the interest in learning or improving the crack climb skills.

    Needed Equipment: Helmet, harness, chalk bag, locking carabiner, belay advice, climbing tape important, crack climb gloves ( optional), climb shoes (La Sportiva will provide climbing shoes for demo at the event.) If you own cams, you’re welcome to bring them for your own practice. (optional) Backpack, water, snacks, approach shoes, sun protectors. Be prepared to climb outside for the day and dress appropriately for the weather. 

    Participant Cap: 12

  • What better way to learn about climbing than being out and about in the beautiful wilds of Bishop. We will be going over the basics, rope management, clipping, lead tactics, and safety surrounding sport climbing. You don't need to be an advanced or expert climber for this clinic, just someone open to learning and experiencing climbing in a safe and encouraging environment.

    Prerequisites: Advanced

    Needed Equipment: Personal Climbing Gear

    Participant Cap: 12

  • New to climbing? Or wanting to transition from indoor climbing to the outdoor rock? Maybe you are a longtime climber but a little rusty.. or maybe you just want to meet some awesome women and find new climbing partners. Then this is the clinic for you!

    We will cover everything from climbing safety, sport annchor cleaning and rope skills. We will also cover women specific movement techniques in climbing. Climbing is a unique sport that requires a gambit of skills. It’s not about how many pull ups you can do! Harness your strength, flexibility and mental skills in this supportive clinic designed specifically for those who identify as women.

    Prerequisites: Can toprope belay and climb 5.7 indoors.

    Needed Equipment: Personal Climbing Gear (harness, shoes, gri gri, chalk), approach shoes, water, sunscreen

    Participant Cap: 12

  • Dive into a fun day out at the crag to learn new ways in approaching your most ambitious trad projects. From visualization of the climb, to finding the safest and most efficient placements for gear, Sam will go over a variety of tactics to try out including (but not limited to): getting a top rope up on the climb, finding and practicing placing gear before a first lead attempt, visualizing the climb, and how to make improvements after each attempt.

    • Prerequisites: Ability to lead and place gear on trad lines. 

    • Needed Equipment: personal climbing gear, water, sunscreen, 

    • Participant Cap: 12


Sunday Clinics

  • Embark upon a true Buttermilk adventure and a journey through local climbing history on this very special guided tour of Smoke's Rock Course led by climbing “golden-era” legend Doug Robinson. Smoke's Rock Course is an old-school, class 3, 4 and 5 scramble across Buttermilk country, first explored by Eastside climbing pioneer Smoke Blanchard. Your adventure will involve scrambling, climbing, chimneys, jumping, scooting, and hopping your way across granite formations and should only be attempted by those with adequate climbing skills and those comfortable climbing 4th and easy 5th class without a rope or harness. This is a true treat, a local’s secret, and some of the most fun you can have on the Eastside! Note: these are two separate clinics; the same course will be offered on both Saturday and Sunday. Limited to 8 participants. If you've taken Smoke's Rock Course before, we kindly ask you to leave space for new participants. This clinic is extremely popular and we'd love to welcome new participants only this year. **Participants may not enroll in both Saturday and Sunday.

    Prerequisites: Must have a solid foundation of moving on varied terrain and general climbing movement. This is not a beginner course.

    Needed Equipment: Approach shoes

    Participant Cap: 8


Workshops

Workshops take place on Saturday from 9AM to 12PM.

  • Join Dr. Zoe Caliendo (she/her) physical therapist and climber to learn about the foundation of training for climbing, how to prevent and/or recover from overuse injuries. We will dive deep into the three most common upper-body injuries and the anatomy involved. It will cover injury prevention, recovery phases and how to return to full performance. This will be delivered through interactive discussion and exercises to apply to your training. The goal of this workshop is to provide a better understanding of how to appropriately load our bodies to improve muscle strength and maintain muscle, tendon and joint health. Please bring something comfortable to sit on (yoga mat, crash pad, etc), a notebook, and a writing utensil. We will be doing a group exercise at the end so come dressed for activity. You may also want to bring your water and a snack. Any questions reach out directly to Zoe at [email protected].

    Cost: $30

    Cap: 15

  • With Bishop or Mammoth Lakes as your home base, there are endless amazing fishing options all within an hour drive.  The Eastern Sierra is home to 5 different species of wild trout, and learning to fly fish will give you the best shot at catching these beautiful fish, and a new appreciation for what the mountains here have to offer.  In this workshop, Mike will cover the necessary gear to get you started fly fishing, a hands on lesson in casting your flies to the fish, an intro lesson in entomology (the study of bugs.. or fish food), and a broad overview of fishing locations to pursue, some of which are also great climbing locations.  

    • Prerequisites: All levels welcome

    • Needed Equipment: All gear provided

    • Participant Cap: 8

    • Cost: $60 


Meet-Ups

Meet-ups take place on Saturday from 9AM to 3PM.

  • Grab your climbing shoes and meet some of your fellow climbers during the Climb United Bouldering Meet-up! Join Climb Out for a FREE day of climbing and community in the Happys. To be mindful of individuals’ needs, we may subdivide into smaller groups the day of to best accommodate personal needs and obstacles while maintaining an appropriate group size. Please note that this is not a guided session, and no climbing instruction will be provided. Bring your own climbing gear if you have it!

    During the meet-up, Sonya Wilson will host a discussion on ASL for the Outdoors and Climbing!

    Do you wonder how best to communicate using non-verbal strategies when hiking, camping and climbing? Sonya Wilson will be at the meetup to help us explore the synergy of rock climbing and American Sign Language (ASL). Discover climbing skills and communication strategies for an inclusive outdoor experience that benefits everyone. Learn about valuable resources and knowledge about the Deaf Outdoor Ecosystem. 

    Who Is this for: We encourage participation from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, Plus Size climbers and self-selected allies.
    When: Saturday from 9am - 3pm
    Cost: FREE, registration required
    Location: Meet @ Happy boulders parking at 9am *Parking is limited, please carpool :)

    Cap: 30

  • Whether it's your first time here and don't know where to start or you're looking to meet new climbing partners, come sport climb with the local queers of Bishop. 

    Who Is this for: Anyone who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ community or who are Allies
    When: Saturday from 9am - 4pm
    Cost: FREE, registration required
    Location: Meet @ Eastern Sierra Pride booth on Saturday at 9am

    Cap: 15


Additional Details:

Volunteering: 

Looking for a way to help out? The Craggin’ Classic depends on the tremendous effort of dozens of volunteers. Volunteers may register for as many slots as desired, though only three hours of service are required to receive complimentary admission. Included is AAC swag, beer, and admission to the event. Clinics or workshops are not included (please email the event coordinators if you are a volunteer who would like to attend a clinic at [email protected]). 

Lodging & Camping Options:

  1. Pleasant Valley Pit Campground offers 75 RV/tent sites. Sites include a fire pit, picnic table and a lantern holder. No hook-up, potable water or dump station. Travel 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 395 from Bishop, turn right on Pleasant Valley Dam Road, go 0.5 miles and turn left following signs to the campground. $5.00 per site per night. No reservations.*First come first served

  2. Pleasant Valley Campground offers 75 camping spaces. Vault toilets, tables, grills, fire rings, potable water. No hook ups. $14 per vehicle per night. Additional vehicle: $5.00 per night. Travel 8.5 miles north on U.S. Highway 395 from Bishop, turn right on Pleasant Valley Dam Road, go 1.0 mile and turn right into the campground. First come first served, credit card and cash accepted.

  3. Downtown Campground at the TriCounty Fairgrounds offers tent camping and RV parking. Includes showers and electricity. No need to reserve in advance; just complete the reservation form located in our office or on the door drop box. $15 per tent per night. $35 per night for all RVs. Located at 475 Sierra Street 0.8 miles from Downtown Celebration.

  4. US Forest Service Campgrounds in the Bishop Area

  5. Hostel California - Private rooms with a private bathroom start at $70-$120 plus tax and dorm beds are available for $30 plus tax. All rooms include towels and linens, freshly folded so you know they're clean.  All Hostel California guests also have access to our fully equipped kitchen, free coffee, loaner bikes, and crash pads.

  6. Quality Inn Hotel - Located in Downtown Bishop, Pet Friendly, Free Wifi and Free Hot Breakfast. $119 - $156/night Discount code for 20% off

Hotels & Additional Accommodation Options:

Welcome to Outbound Mammoth, your all-season alpine retreat near the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Wander our way for a cozy stay at our newly renovated resort, featuring new guestrooms, cabins, chalets and villas. With weekly local happenings and delicious on-site eats, come together for good times and good vibes at the doorstep of the epic outdoors.

Click this link for a discount booking or use code “craggin24”.


Local Sponsors

Shout out to our Local Guide Sponsor Sierra Mountain Guides, for providing the guide team to help facilitate clinics and make this event possible!


Questions?

If you have questions about the Bishop Craggin’ Classic, please contact Event Coordinator Jo Olson at [email protected].

The American Alpine Club operates under permit of the Inyo National Forest.