Feather Canyon approach: East vs West?

[Runout]

There are two descriptions for the approach to Feather Canyon from both East and West sides. East side looks easier and straight forward:

“Hike up the Condor Gulch Trail to the Don Genaro Overlook.  Spot the formation and contour uphill for about 400' vertical.  It may be necessary to rope up for one short easy 5th class pitch just before reaching the formation.“

Any reason not to just do the Condor Gulch approach?

Thanks

[ryn]

Not really a difference in hike time or difficulty between the two options. Maybe if you were worried about parking on East side vs West side but no other advantage to west approach comes to mind

[Brad Young]

Not really a difference in hike time or difficulty between the two options. Maybe if you were worried about parking on East side vs West side but no other advantage to west approach comes to mind

I agree.

[NOAL]

I would go with the East approach.  You can see the route from a distance when you leave the Condor Gulch trail at the Don Genaro overlook.  There is a photo of Bruce standing in this spot on Mountain Project.  I usually drop my pack somewhere around there.

 If you hike up from the West you will need to drop your pack up by the Smokestack.  That means hiking all the way up to the high peaks and all the way back down with a pack. More hiking with a back pack from the West. 

Also, I suggest not taking a pack on the route. 

[Runout]

Thanks so much.

[mynameismud]

I recommend bringing a beer

[Atomizer]

East. I back up NOAL. What he says is right on.

[Brad Young]

I'm a little surprised at who exactly is recommending beer.

If he recommends a certain type of green light "beer" I may drop dead.

[Marco]

Some goals to look forward to this year include: An only beer ascent of Feather Canyon. Need to dial in the specifics still, presumably water stays in the car, though I think striving for a beer per pitch could be awesome, I mean dangerous.
An "Edwards 40 Hands" ascent of Costanoan, though for clipping purposes not sure if you only bring one 40 or if you have 2 on one hand.

[Atomizer]

The wine camelback is the rage these days.

[Runout]

Got a cold. Ended up cragging on the West Side. Will come back after bird closures lift.

[looks easy from here]

Also, I suggest not taking a pack on the route.

QFT. I had my first attempt completely derailed by heavy packs. Protip: don't bring a professional photographer with professional photography equipment on this route.