Lee Vining – number one ice climbing spot for Southern Californians, is at the bottom of the hill that goes up to Tuolumne off the 395.
vertical to near vertical ice, mostly 1 pitch, a bunch of 80-100 ft top rope routes, all leadable at WI 3-5 I think, a few 2 pitch routes. about an hour approach.
June Lake – when it sets up a handful of moderate less than vertical routes up to 2 pitches. short approach
Tahquitz – once every 5 years or so the Trough and a couple other routes to the far left set up just right for mixed ice and rock climbing at a moderate level. one hour approach.
North Palisade area of the Sierra – V Notch and U Notch, multi pitch coulior ice climbing, U notch is about 40*, V notch is about 50*. Great backcountry ice climbing. a day long approach for most, so this is a multi day trip. late August-October is best ice season, in the summer they are snow climbs.
