E Ridge Russell v Rock Route Clyde

[nmba1gi]

I dayhiked East Ridge Mt Russell a few weeks ago; now have my sights set on Rock Route of Clyde Minaret (not a dayhike). Can anyone out there compare and contrast the two routes in any significant way? i will be soloing. Thanks much

[mokelumnekid]

Can't help you on Clyde but question about Russell: did you retrace your steps or go down the class 4 route at the end? I haven't done this (yet) but maybe 2010...beta welcome!

[giantbrookie]

Can't help you on Clyde but question about Russell: did you retrace your steps or go down the class 4 route at the end? I haven't done this (yet) but maybe 2010...beta welcome!

George, I haven't done Russell (or Clyde) either, but I am aware of some very detailed reports of the east ridge ("standard") route that are posted in several places online. I know if you go back far enough on the archives on this board there are at least two detailed reports of the E. Ridge. The best place I know of is the usual climber.org, and I'm sure summitpost has a bunch of reports, too. I know that there are also reports on the Whitney Portal Store message board. I also have some friends that have done Russell's east ridge. The usual description I hear is that it would hardly be class 3, except for the stupendous (and continual) exposure and most folks I know retrace and descend the E. ridge.