Variety is the spice of life.

This Friday meetup will alternate the Shasta Bally Stairmaster, the Crystal Creek to Coggins Park Twist and Turn, and various Mystery Tours.  These events are designed primarily as training events so they are challenging but to different degrees.  The Stairmaster is the hardest at 5.2 miles one way and 4614 vertical foot climb.  Twist and Turn is 6.5 miles one way and ~ 1800 vertical feet.  The Mystery Tours are currently a mystery.  They should help you get ready for other hiking and backpacking events.

Try the Hilltop Huff and Puff if you don't know where you fall on the condition scale.  This event is designed for you to network with others who are working the same problem.  Don't forget that your level of conditioning can change quickly once you design and start your program.

===  Coggins Park Twist and Turn  ==========

Whiskeytown's Crystal Creek area has a jeep road that departs the Whiskeytown Falls Trailhead - Crystal Creek Conservation Camp area and climbs 6.5 miles and 1800 vertical feet to the Coggins Park Campground.  The road has numerous twists, turns, ups, downs, and reversals that turn the roughly 3.5 miles straight line distance into 6.5 mile mostly moderate uphill hike above Crystal Creek.  There are numerous open views of Shasta Bally's west side, Buckhorn Bally, and Shoemaker Bally.

===  Shasta Bally Stairmaster  =============

Planning on doing the Lost Coast Backpack like a walk in the park?

Whiskeytown's Shasta Bally has a five mile jeep road to the top that starts at Brandy Creek.  After Sheep Camp it turns really steep and scenic.  Shasta Bally tops out at 6175 feet and toward the top it has wide open views of Mt. Lassen to Mt. Shasta and beyond.  The view from the top includes the Trinity Alps to the west and land toward Yolla Bolly in the south.

The plan is to drive to Sheep Camp and hike some portion of the last five miles.  The road is relentlessly steep and will keep your heart, lungs, and legs running at or near capacity the whole way.  Its one of those hikes that condition you quickly.  It's an out and back hike so anyone who wants to challenge themselves but quit when you meet your limit is welcome.  Hiking alone is discouraged, however, since we share the road with bears and other critters.

Shasta Bally has different weather than Redding.  Last winter's snow lasted until the first week of August.   There has been snow on the road since October.  From Sheep Camp to the top is 5.2 miles, 4,614' of climbing and an average 18% grade (steep)!  Bring plenty of clothes to layer (and unlayer).  Waterproof boots, hats, gloves and windbreaker are recommended, especially above the tree line.

Make sure your boots fit properly.  This hike is very hard on feet.  Bring blister aids.

The days are short:  bring a flashlight!

We plan to make this a regular outing and will adjust the route to match conditions or break out the snowshoes and crampons as the season progresses. 

A regular car can reach Sheep Camp if there is no snow.  As winter develops we likely will be forced further downhill for further trips.  

Event will be cancelled or rescheduled if inclement weather.

Handy Reference for this hike: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/why-ice-may-be-bad-for-sore-muscles/?hp

Why do this hike ?  http://youtu.be/aUaInS6HIGo

Help Wanted:  Full or Part Time

This hike should be repeated on weekends but we need an event host.  If you would like to be that person then contact the Organizer team.

* The trip organizer is a volunteer and NOT a real leader (i.e. not liable for the group). Think of it as hiking with a group of friends. 

* Joining any hike is entirely voluntary and participants assume any and all risks associated with the activities. It is each hiker's responsibility to ensure that s/he is in sufficient fitness and health to participate in a strenuous hike, with the appropriate water, food, clothing, first aid, and navigation equipment for the conditions.

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  BRIAN FITZMAURICE

  Which hike are ya's doing this friday?I'd like to do the 13m,1800ft hike if possible.

  Posted Feb 15 at 2:08 PM
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  Jan

  Hey Brian, it's still a surprise :) We are going to need to see what this storm does with the snow level. Thus far we haven't made it the 13 miles as we've had to walk a good portion on snow. I really liked this option though. Also, John W. has been sick, so I don't know if he'll be joining us. I'm up for this one again, the Shasta Bally/Papoose option, or a surprise! Come join us and we'll make it a good workout!

  Posted Feb 15 at 2:12 PM
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  Jan

  Hi Jill, we've encourage others to rehost on weekend days. Are you interested in hosting? If so, please let me know.

  Posted Feb 16 at 4:43 PM
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  Jan

  I recommend that you bring gaiters to prevent snow creep up your pant legs. My pants were pretty wet from the knees down last week. It's really too warm to wear snow pants.

  Posted Feb 17 at 10:11 AM