Join an IFMGA-certified mountain guide for a scenic and informative 2-day mountaineering expedition up to the summit of Mt Shasta via Avalanche Gulch. Take in the incredible alpine scenery of the California Cascade Range and learn important mountaineering skills along the way.
Private and Group
Cascade Range
2 Days
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Fit
Beginner
Situated at the southern end of the Cascade Range, Mt Shasta is the perfect peak for novice mountaineers!
Rising to 14,179 feet above sea level, the potentially active volcano is the second highest mountain in the Cascades and fifth highest in California.
Over the course of two days, we will make our way to the summit of Mt Shasta via Avalanche Gulch, traversing the volcano’s glacier using crampons and an ice axe.
If we have the time, we will also go over self-arrest techniques as well as cover basic route-finding and other necessary mountaineering skills, provided we have the time.
The fun begins at 8 am on the first day, when we will meet in the town of Mt Shasta and pack our gear as well as go over the itinerary. From there, we will carpool and drive to the trailhead at Bunny Flat (6,860 feet) on the southern side of the mountain.
We begin the ascent by hiking up through exquisite alpine scenery until we reach the high camp at Avalanche Gulch (~10,000 feet). The afternoon will be spent acclimatizing and going over how to use the ice axe and crampons.
Getting an early start on the following day (1 or 2 am), we will start climbing over the glacier until we reach the summit. From the top there are excellent views out over the surroundings.
We’ll have a short rest allowing us to take in the great views before hiking back down to the camp and then onto the trailhead.
So what are you waiting for? Book now for this fun and informative 2-day ascent of Mt Shasta in California’s Cascade Range!
If you like the look of this trip but are looking for a bit more of a challenge, then we think you will also enjoy our 3-day winter ascent of Mt Shasta via the Casaval Ridge!
- Guiding fee
- Permit and entrance fees
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- Camping equipment tents
- Camping equipment cooking utensils
Please note for the private option of this trip, a minimum of three guests are required. Price includes: Professional instruction/guide, breakfast(s), dinner(s), ice axes, helmets, harness, group equipment including
ropes and safety equipment, group camping equipment including tents and stoves, permits, and license fees including Mt.
Shasta summit fees. Mountaineering Boots, Snowshoes (early season), and Crampons are NOT included but are available
for rent. Please check with us for the full equipment list.
Food: Group breakfast(s), dinner(s), and hot beverages included. Please bring your own favorite, high-calorie, high-
carbohydrate lunches and snacks. Examples: bagels, cheese, dried fruit, trail mix, Clif bars, chocolate, etc.
After meeting at 8:00 am on the first day at our Mt. Shasta office, we will conduct a complete pack check and
divide up the group gear. We will then carpool to the trailhead at Bunny Flat (6,860 feet) on Mt. Shasta’s south side. From
there, we will hike to our high camp (9,800 feet) just below Helen Lake. The afternoon will be spent acclimatizing and
learning how to use the ice ax and crampons. We will then retire early in preparation for an alpine start on summit day (up by
1-2:00 am). After arriving at the summit, we will head back to our camp to pack up our gear and return to Bunny Flat by 5:30
pm. PLEASE NOTE – This is a best-case scenario. This itinerary is subject to change at the guide’s discretion and is
dependent upon mountain conditions, group experience/expectations, and other factors we cannot anticipate.
More info Please contact us for a complete list of what is included. |
Meeting point Mt. Shasta, California |
Helmet
Ice axe
Harness
Backpack
Crampons
Sunglasses
Belay device
Watter bottle
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
What is the Elevation Gain and Loss during the trip?
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
Can I join a group?
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.
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