UBSL is a great place to launch a day hike of Mt. Russell.
As the bird flys, it is about 1 mile from UBSL to Mt. Russell. But that is not what really matters.
<a href="http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=36.58534&lon=-118.28486&datum=nad27&u=4&layer=DRG&size=m&s=50">topo zone map of Mt. Russell area</a>
Upper Boy Scout Lake is at 11300 feet. Mt Russell is at 14086 feet. That is an elevation rise of 2786 feet. Count on about 3-4 hours to the summit and 2 hours or so back to UBSL.
You have 3 reasonable options. One is to climb the approach route from UBSL to the Russell Carillon sadle and then climb the east ridge route of Mt. Russell. This approach leaves a little east of UBSL. UBSL would be a little to the left of this photo.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1196721950056554790ZUacSq The east Arete route is very exposed... but it is one exciting place and really gives one a sense of earning the peak.
http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1220845447061435028QEEoRM Another option is to head up the canyon and take the Bob R. Rockwell variation to the Carillon Russell sadle. Picture #3 in photo album below.
A final option is to head up the canyon to the top and climb the southheadwall route to Mt. Russell.
Picture #1 & #2 in photo album below. See also route photos later in the photo album through the pass.
The second and third option can be found in these Bob R. photos.
http://members12.clubphoto.com/robert634908/1422442/guest.phtml All three work and each has its advantages.
