TR: Shasta, Gravel Creek TH - June 11, 2104

[jibmaster]

Headed for the east side. Took road 42N67, just before the Brewer Creek TH, to the right
and crossed Gravel Creek to the next drainage.


The road is washed out here.




Headed up the large gully just hiker's right of the Gravel Creek Super Pipe.

[jibmaster]

Entered the gully right at Clitoris Falls


The gully looked good for skiing


Front and center - we were headed for the right side of the Hotlum

[jibmaster]

The bergschrund of the Chicago Glacier


Hotlum

[jibmaster]

High altitude flowers and bees




Chicago Glacier

[jibmaster]

The skiing was good

Looking back up the gully


Clitoris Falls on the way back

[jibmaster]

Camped at 6930'


I should name that gully. Any ideas?

[Dostie]

Nice pics. Especially like the view from the E showing the roads. I be embedding that one in my brain.

[jibmaster]

Here's a video of road 42N67.
Just a few minutes to the right gets you to a new zone.
Most any vehicle will make it.

The gully was holding ample amounts of snow, meaning that this area has skiing potential for early summer trips.
I've gotta ski that huge Super Pipe of Gravel Creek sometime.
Maybe an early fall trip...
Check it out on GoogleEarth.

If you look at the first pic, the Gravel Creek drainage can be accessed just before the last switchback to Brewer Creek.
Some nice 'swimming' (dipping) pools in that area. A great way to cool off on a summer ski trip.
Camped there many times.
I was wavering on what to call the TH we went up from.
But Gravel Creek TH seems to be sensible.
It's in the general vicinity/drainage.

Been looking for something new the last few years.
Been to Shasta probably ~250-300 times over the past 25 years.
Getting bored with the same 'ole TH's.
Lot's of logging roads in the area...

[jibmaster]

Getting water from the gully

[aqua toque]

pure

...........

[B__]

So you were able to drive to 6930? The Brewer TH is at about 6650. Is it any faster to access the Hotlum from "Gravel?"

[jibmaster]

I had my gps watch and double checked it on GoogleEarth.
What I'm calling the Gravel Creek TH, appears to be around ~6900'.
Really nice area. Nice feel to the spot.
I don't like the feeling of the Brewer Creek TH - for camping, etc... I usually camp further down and drive up for the ascent.

Nothing wrong with starting from there, especially if you want to do to Hotune route.
But if your looking for something different, in the same general area, this TH is kinda cool.
The Gravel Creek TH offers up access to the right side of the Hotlum.
Puts you above the North Gate Route, right below the Step.

The north facing aspect of the ski terrain provides more north-facing exposure on the ski runs.
Usually holds snow later in the year.
This year is the exception. Lack of snow has melted off the lower slopes.

I'd like to explore this approach more in the future.
If your interested in the Hotlum, with access to the North Gate routes, this TH has got it covered.

The gully was really cool. In a better year, this gully will hold snow for months.
Access to the Chicago Glacier and puts you just below The Step.

Check out all my photos on my Flickr page - in my signiture, as well as videos.

[jibmaster]

Trip recommendation:

Vehicle shuttle a East-North, or North-East ski trip.
Park a vehicle at North Gate/Coquette Falls TH and exit Gravel Creek/Brewer Creek TH.
Or the other way around.

[jibmaster]

The route:

[jibmaster]