June 1, 2005, Giddy Giddy Gulch, Mt. Shasta
6/1/05
US elsewhere
3096
2
After skiing May 30th at Ridge Lake Peak in the southern part of Lassen, we drove the long 80 plus miles around to the north entrance of Lassen to ski out of the Devastation area. Unfortunately the snow pack has melted considerably on the north side approach and we were not interested in a dirt climb to the skiing terrain. Once the road is open through the park, the dirt slog will be minimal. We only saw a couple of tracks on the northeast face of Lassen and those tracks had avy sloughs associated with them. We decided to drive to Shasta and do some wildflower viewing along the way.
We spent the evening along the Everitt Memorial highway and watched the clouds encase the mountain as brief showers occurred along with gusty winds. In the morning, we left Bunny Flats at 7:30am under blue skies on a frozen snow pack with clouds swirling at mid mountain. The skinning went quickly to Horse Camp and we watched a cloud bank move into our area, making for pleasant climbing. There were 10 tents around Horse Camp but most folks seemed to be staying in the area. We traversed the base of Casaval Ridge and began climbing Giddy Giddy Gulch in a whiteout which we did not worry too much about because the clouds were moving in and out. The snow was still frozen and we used ski crampons to move upward quickly. About half way up Giddy, the skies cleared and we were entertained by swiftly swirling cloud formations. The winds were quite modest in the gully but were probably uncomfortable at higher elevations. After 3100 vertical, we came to the junction of Giddy Giddy Gulch and Casaval Ridge. The abandoned tent trenches and walls were slowly melting and were signs of a crowded weekend. We looked down into Avalanche Gulch and could see a few tents dug in below Helen Lake. At that moment the mountain was cloud covered from just below Helen Lake. Our descent was on incredible corn snow. The top inch was cream and provided an excellent carving surface. The 1900 vertical to the bottom of the gulch was as good as it gets. Even the snow down to Horse Camp and back to Bunny Flats was enjoyable. During the entire climb up and descent in Giddy, we never saw another person. It was great to skin from the camper and then ski back directly to the vehicle. A great way to end a great tour. Zap
We spent the evening along the Everitt Memorial highway and watched the clouds encase the mountain as brief showers occurred along with gusty winds. In the morning, we left Bunny Flats at 7:30am under blue skies on a frozen snow pack with clouds swirling at mid mountain. The skinning went quickly to Horse Camp and we watched a cloud bank move into our area, making for pleasant climbing. There were 10 tents around Horse Camp but most folks seemed to be staying in the area. We traversed the base of Casaval Ridge and began climbing Giddy Giddy Gulch in a whiteout which we did not worry too much about because the clouds were moving in and out. The snow was still frozen and we used ski crampons to move upward quickly. About half way up Giddy, the skies cleared and we were entertained by swiftly swirling cloud formations. The winds were quite modest in the gully but were probably uncomfortable at higher elevations. After 3100 vertical, we came to the junction of Giddy Giddy Gulch and Casaval Ridge. The abandoned tent trenches and walls were slowly melting and were signs of a crowded weekend. We looked down into Avalanche Gulch and could see a few tents dug in below Helen Lake. At that moment the mountain was cloud covered from just below Helen Lake. Our descent was on incredible corn snow. The top inch was cream and provided an excellent carving surface. The 1900 vertical to the bottom of the gulch was as good as it gets. Even the snow down to Horse Camp and back to Bunny Flats was enjoyable. During the entire climb up and descent in Giddy, we never saw another person. It was great to skin from the camper and then ski back directly to the vehicle. A great way to end a great tour. Zap
Zap, is Giddy Giddy Gulch the same as the West Face?
Paul,
As you left Horse Camp and traversed onto Casaval Ridge, you were probably above Giddy which would have been on your left(climbers left). West Face terminates in Hidden Valley which is further climbers left.
I was pleased to read about your excellent trip with Monika. 10,000 vf - :). I'm not allowed to climb that much vertical unless assisted by a high speed quad.
Zap
As you left Horse Camp and traversed onto Casaval Ridge, you were probably above Giddy which would have been on your left(climbers left). West Face terminates in Hidden Valley which is further climbers left.
I was pleased to read about your excellent trip with Monika. 10,000 vf - :). I'm not allowed to climb that much vertical unless assisted by a high speed quad.
Zap
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