Virtual Climb of Mount Shasta Helen Lake to Red Banks

The flat, protected areas around Lake Helen (10,400') are a popular camping area, and stopping here lets the climbers aclimate to the high altitude and get an early start toward the Red Banks and the summit after a night's rest. The going here is steep, and climbers have to keep an eye out for any rockfall rolling down from the Red Banks. The Heart, a large rockfield at about 12,000', can also let loose some dangerous rocks.

	Above Helen Lake (11000 feet). Red Banks at skyline.
	A crowd at The Heart.
	Looking down from The Heart.
	Nearing Thumb Rock (at right) and Red Banks.
	Red Banks' Chimneys.
	Red Banks' Chimneys.
	Map showing Helen Lake to Red Banks.
	Profile of climb from Helen Lake to Red Banks.