Whitney's Mountaineering Route late March-early April 2017 anyone???

[spiderman]

Just giving you a hard time out of envy. It is tough enough living in a 3rd world country like USA now. I get so much grief from my Canadian coworkers. They keep asking when I am going to apply for asylum. I have to admit that the mountains in Alberta are far more spectacular, and challenging, than anything that we have in Colorado or California. Maybe the tremendous difficulty of climbing the Canadian Province highpoints makes it so much less popular than the much easier US State highpoints. Mt. Columbia (AB) was far more challenging and rewarding than anything that my son and I have experienced so far in the lower-48. I liked the expedition so much that I use the pic for our Avatar. Nevertheless, Whitney does have a fond place in my heart since I grew up just south of it and would climb it once a year with my father.

[Monster5]

Mt. Columbia (AB) was far more challenging and rewarding than anything that my son and I have experienced so far in the lower-48

Have you considered that perhaps the reason for this is because you're afflicted by the disease mentioned by Dave?

[seano]

Mt. Columbia (AB) was far more challenging and rewarding than anything that my son and I have experienced so far in the lower-48.

That's hardly representative of all of Canada -- the Columbia Icefield is the biggest ice cube south of Alaska, and the parts of the Canadian Rockies not covered in ice and snow are often hideous choss. If you want something similarly challenging in the lower 48 (though in a different way), you need to get yourself some North Cascades.

[Dave B]

How come nobody in Canadia knows anything about Province Highpoints?!

Because myopic peakbaggery with an utter disdain for technical proficiency is a uniquely American disease?

#repost

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[spiderman]

Canadian province high points actually do have a fair range of technical skills required to climb them all, as opposed to just four technical state HPs in the United States. Many of us do suffer from myopic peakbaggery. Getting all of the Colorado 14ers is more about check marks than difficult climbs. The county highpointers are the worst afflicted people that I have ever seen. Nevertheless, I am glad to have lists to work on that require more determination than skill since I have far more of the former than the latter.

The Mountaineer's route on Whitney in March would be pushing my limits, and many of the OP's climbs are above my abilities. My public apologies to the OP for my poorly expressed humor and sarcasm.

[nyker]

I might be in that area then and I wouldn't mind doing Whitney again - lets touch base as it gets closer and I'll see what my schedule is like if I can make it work or not.

[BerkeleyBuff]

I'm potentially interested in this. The Mountaineer's Route is one I've had on my wishlist for quite some time.Unfortunately I haven't climbed any 14ers since moving to Cali three years ago, besides Quandary when I go back to visit Colorado. So I may not be able to join you simply for not wishing to slow you down.

In general, can anyone with more experience on the Cali 14ers suggest routes that would be good to start with/ get my legs back under me?

[kaiman]

In general, can anyone with more experience on the Cali 14ers suggest routes that would be good to start with/ get my legs back under me?

I've only been on 7 of California's 14ers so I'm by no means an expert. That said, there are three key differences to take into consideration. The Cali 14ers:

1. Require longer approaches than most Colorado 14ers.
2. Are more technical and exposed than most Colorado 14ers.
3. With the exception of Mount Shasta, most require a permit in advance.

That said of the 7 that I have done, probably the best introductory routes are the Standard Route on Mount Whitney, the Standard Route on White Mountain, and the Avalanche Gulch route on Mount Shasta. You could also add the Army Pass Route on Mount Langley to this list, but the approach via Cottonwood Lakes is pretty long (albeit scenic).

Most of the other routes on the Cali 14ers get into more serious scrambling (the Sierras) or roped glacier mountaineering (Mount Shasta). Also it should be noted that Class 3 scrambling in California approximates Class 4 scrambling in Colorado in most cases. If your up for the scrambling type of route, the Mountaineers Route on Whitney will be right up your alley (it's definitely a classic and even has an interesting approach to Iceberg Lake). I also really enjoyed the Hotlam/Bolam Glacier route on Mount Shasta as an introduction to the Cascades a few years back.

Kai

[seano]

In general, can anyone with more experience on the Cali 14ers suggest routes that would be good to start with/ get my legs back under me?

That depends what "get my legs back under me" means. If it's about exposure or scrambling, then the standard routes on Langley, Whitney, and White are all hikes. If it's about distance and gain, then White is about the only "gimme" dayhike by CO standards. Whitney, Russell, Muir, and Shasta all the only ones that require special dayhiking permits. For the rest, you only need a permit to camp.

Anyways, you might check out this recent thread this recent thread

[BerkeleyBuff]

Appreciate the insight. I'll be giving Shasta + one other a go this winter/ spring.

[josee menard]

Appreciate the insight. I'll be giving Shasta + one other a go this winter/ spring.

Considering an ascent of Mount Shasta via Avalanche Gulch + Mount Hood via southside-Hogsback on my way down to Whitney

[irish_will]

Just joined this board to sync with you..

Still Looking?

I've only completed whitney via the Whitney Trail had an unsuccessful attempt on the MR last year. Would love to try again.

Happy to fill you in more about me if you are interested.

Will