Mile High Club is a wildly fun alpine romp on stellar alpine rock, offering pitch after pitch of engaging climbing in a spectacular North Cascades setting. With solid granite, fun movement, and incredible views, this route delivers pitch after pitch of enjoyable climbing with a few sections of 5.10a climbing in a wild and scenic setting. From splitter cracks to exposed arêtes, Mile High Club offers just the right mix of technical challenge and pure fun—making it a must-do modern classic for those looking to get high in the Cascades.
- Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
- Duration: 8-10 Hours
- Level: Beginner
- Client Ratio: 2:1
- Difficulty: II+ 5.10a (7-pitches)
- Cost:
- 1:1 $550 per person
- 2:1 $370 Per Person
- Two day option and pricing is avalable.
- Included: Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
- Not Included:Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, and all personal items
ITINERARY
Day 1 – 2,700′ ↑ 2,700’↓, 5.6~ Miles, 8-12 hours
The total approach covers approximately 2.8 miles (5.6 miles round trip) with an elevation gain of about 2,700 feet, taking most parties around 2-3 hours to reach the base of the climb.
The approach to Mile High Club on Morning Star Peak begins at the Sunrise Mine Trailhead, located off the Mountain Loop Highway. From the trailhead, hikers follow the Sunrise Mine Trail for approximately 2.5 miles, gaining about 2,700 feet in elevation. This portion of the trail is well-established and leads to a major switchback at around 4,300 feet elevation, just before the trail begins its ascent to Headlee Pass.
At this switchback, climbers leave the main trail and traverse northeast across talus fields toward the base of the Mile High Buttress. The path is marked by cairns and passes notable landmarks, including a large flat-topped boulder and a small stand of trees. Continuing across open heather and talus, the route crosses a strip of trees near a rocky bluff and ascends to an obvious red gully to the right of the Mile High Buttress. A convenient water seep is located just before this gully, typically flowing through mid-season and for a few days after rain. A short scramble up rubble-strewn ledges leads to a lone fir tree, where the climb begins at a single belay bolt .
Mile High Club on Morning Star Peak is a seven-pitch alpine sport climb that delivers consistent, engaging 5.9 to 5.10a movement on high-quality granite. The route follows an exposed ridge and arête, weaving through steep faces, featured cracks, and a striking dihedral, all protected by well-spaced bolts. With sustained climbing, dramatic exposure, and incredible views of the North Cascades, the route offers a unique blend of sport climbing feel in a remote alpine setting—making it a fun, committing, and memorable adventure for competent 5.10 leaders.
Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)
These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.
Climbing Gear
- Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
- Rock Climbing Harness: Padded and adjustable
- Approach Shoes(After July 4th or when the now is gone)
- Rock Climbing Shoes – Snug and comfortable
- Belay Device: Tube style belay device ie .BD Guide ATC
- Nylon Slings: (1) 60 cm nylon sling, (1) 120 cm nylon sling
- 2 Locking carabiners 2-Large, pear-shaped carabiners;
- 2 Regular carabiners (e.g. Wire-gate are recommended)
Early Season
- Ice Axe Lightweight Under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm,
- 3 Season mountaineering boots (Must be crampon compatible)
- Crampons with anti-ball plate,
- Adjustable trekking poles- optional
Upper Body
- Synthetic T-shirt
- Sun Hoodie Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
- Sports bra Two, synthetic,
- Soft Shell with hood
- Mid-Weight Down/Synthetic Jacket (with hood)
- Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
- 1 Pair light leather palmed gloves for warmth and rappelling
- Warm hat Wool or synthetic
- Buff or Balaclava
- Shade hat or baseball cap
Lower Body
- 1 Pair soft shell pants lightweight
- Synthetic hiking socks
Backpack
- Internal frame pack 30-40 liter capacity
Miscellaneous Equipment
- Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
- Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, and batteries etc.
- Lip balm At least SPF 20
- Sunscreen At least SPF 40
- Headlamp lightweight LED
- 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
- Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
- WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
- Bandana
- Hand wipes
- Favorite snack food
We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?
Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?
No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.
HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?
Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.
WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?
For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:
90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost
30 days or less – 100% of trip cost
WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP?
In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.