Ascent Notes for: Casval Ridge Grade 3 - Average Rating : 5.00/5

We climbed half way up the ridge pitching our tent at the base of the first rock fin of any significance. The following morning we woke at 4am and started our summit push. Topped out and returned back to the tent in time to break down camp and meet our ride at Bunny Flats at 4pm. Great climb during the winter.

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Very fun route for me. Due to big Apr. snowfall, all the usual volcanic crud was still covered, leaving only the pinnacles exposed (quite decent rock for high alititude, and rather exceptional for a volcano). Guidebook notes that climbers have said this compares to classic European Alps ridge routes. I concur but ONLY if you stay atop the ridge and climb as many of the pinnacles as possible. Just traversing along the bases of the pinnacles is too easy. Also, where the ridge tops out, instead of going east to join the masses going up Misery Hill to the summit plateau, consider going NE and traversing the steep upper snow/ice fields of the Whitney Gl. to reach the plateau.

We actually climbed the Casaval with our packs and camped on a huge snow field at 13100', right after the ridge. The summit is an easy short walk up from the camp.

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