Route: Laurel Mountain (CA)

Laurel Mountain (11,812') is an impressive mountain in its own right. Looking up at the huge northeast face of the mountain, there is nothing diminutive about it; towering over 4,000 ft. above Convict Lake, it commands the attention of all in the valley. Though more inconspicuous from its other aspects, it is nonetheless visible from Mammoth Lakes, farther north on 395, & from the White Mountains, as well. 

Laurel's Northeast Gully is a popular class 4-5 route with a short, easy approach, featured in Peter Croft's guidebook "The Good, the Great, and the Awesome." The route follows the trail around Convict Lake, then ascends the obvious central gully on Laurel's colorful northeast face. It was first climbed by John Mendenhall and James Van Patten on 9/7/1930.