Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Anyone climbing Mt Russell this weekend?

I was just wondering if anyone is planning on climbing Mt. Russell this weekend. I plan on hiking up to UBSL on Fri. 8/10 and attempting summit on Saturday with Whitney on Sunday via the MR (all depending on an overnight wilderness permit, otherwise will be doing dayhikes to said summits). This will be the first time up Russell for me and 4th in 4 months up Whitney. I am curious about the best route for a solo climb up Russell. Is leaving from UBSL and heading up talus field to Russell/ Carillon Pass the best way? Any advise is appreciated.

Thanks and good luck to all,

Russ

The East Ridge is an awesome 3rd class route to the summit. You can reach it via the route you described from UBSL or via the Rockwell variation from UBSL (which has been described recently on this board).

I won't be up there this weekend but am scheduled for the 8/14 and 8/15.

Have fun.

I'll second the thought on the East Ridge. It's one of the nicest 3rd class routes in the Sierra I've done. It is more exposed and airy in a couple places than the MR on Whitney. Most people I take up there say it's a little harder but everybody loves the route. If you're not comfortable with exposure I wouldn't do it solo.

The other route would be out of Iceberg Lake. Go over the Whitney/Russell Col and traverse over the Russell. Go up the southwest chute. It is class 2 most of the way with a few 3rd class moves near the top. Just make sure you're comfortable reversing the 3rd class moves as you make them.