Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Rainier vs Shasta

I know this is outside the Whitney zone, but I believe the topic's been discussed here before. How does Shasta (Avalanche Gulch route) compare in difficulty to Rainier? I did Rainier (DC route) almost three years ago; thought I was in pretty good shape at the time, but it took everything I had to summit. Did Whitney overnight two weeks prior as a warmup and that was a heck of a lot easier. (I know it's hard to comparatively quantify difficulty of alpine climbs, but hoping for some insight.)

Shasta is clearly easier, both in terms of overall elevation gain, and level of difficulty re: alpine conditions. While parts of the AV Gulch route are steep - particularly below Red Rocks - it's rare to encounter crevasses. Had done that route several times and have only seen one. Most people do it as an overnight, but some do it as a dayhike. Unless you're in excellent shape/fast hiker, consider doing it as an overnight.

While Shasta is easier than Rainier, it's not easy. It's about 7K' of elevation over 7 miles, and most the elevation occurs in the last 3.5, so it's steep and that makes it tough.

Thanks, Kevin. I assume you're talking about overnighting at Helen Lake?

Yes. Also - while you can register at the TH and pay your $$, it's worth the time to stop at the USFS ranger station in town and get it there as those rangers have up-to-date info on current conditions.

When are you planning to do it? If not till late May/mid June, you might consider a couple of alternate routes to Avalanche Gulch. Hotlum\Bolam Ridge shasta routes is an excellant climb with some steeper slopes than A. G. Hotlum\Wintun Ridge is another excellant route. Hotlum-Wintun Depending on ability, ropes can be useful on H. B., but are not needed on the H.W. route. These have a lot less traffic than A. Gulch and are worth the effort. The only problem is the trail heads may not be reachable till mid June,earlier if you are lucky. Call the Fifth Seasons climbing report when you get close to goin. 530-926-5555 or 530-926-3606