Climb to the summit of Mt. Shasta in California via Avalanche Gulch, 2 days
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.
Cascade Range
2 Days
May - Aug
High
Beginner
Highlights
* Enjoy the stunning alpine scenery of northern California.
* Conquer the second highest peak in the Cascade Range.
* Learn valuable mountaineering skills along the way.
Description
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!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Permit and entrance fees
- Tents
- Rope
- Cooking utensils
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
Price details
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 2: Mount Shasta
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.
Details
More info
Please contact us for a complete list of what is included.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Crampons
Ice axe
Harness
Water bottle
Backpack
Helmet
Sunglasses
Belay device
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Climbing Mt Shasta at 14,179 ft. is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It requires both physical and mental
toughness. Listed below are the minimum physical requirements we would expect for all of our clients
before they show up to climb Mt Shasta via the Avalanche Gulch route:
- Be able to maintain 600 ft -700 ft per hr / 185 to 215 meters per hr climbing pace AND be
able to maintain this pace for 1-hour increments.
- Carry a 35 lbs-40 lbs pack / 15 kg-18 kg pack
- Be able to move efficiently off of maintained trails on hard snow, soft snow, rocks and talus. Using large step ups and
step-downs, and some movements requiring the whole body while carrying a pack.
- A client who can do 750 feet per hr with a loaded pack (235 meters per hr) with 25-30 lb / 11-14 kg
pack on a stair climber, stepper or stair running should have the fitness to climb Mt Shasta
- Plus, Weekend training hikes 8-10 miles /12-16 kilometers with a loaded pack 25-30 lbs /11-14 kilos
over the hilly terrain a client has access too is also recommend prior to your climb.
Note: Time to basecamp on Mt Shasta is 4-6 hours and time to the summit from basecamp is 5-8 hours.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
We recommend 3-4 months before the climb if you have not been climbing or hiking extensively prior to your climb date.
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?
You will need to bring your own sleeping bag, internal frame backpack, and mountaineering boots, and crampons All are available for rent: Sleeping bags & Pad ($42.00 for 2-3 days), Backpacks ($42.00 for 2-3 days) and Boots ($45.00 for 2-3 days) Crampons ($25.00 for 2-3 days) We also have Gaitors, Down Jackets, Hard Shell Jackets, & trekking poles for rent
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
Porters are available by reservation on all Mt. Shasta climbs cost $200 each way. Porter’s loads are limited to a maximum of 45 lbs.
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Our guides will be providing hot water for hot drinks, instant cereal, freeze dried dinners and for filling water bottles for drinking.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Weather Credits and Rescheduled Climbs & Courses:
SWS Mountain Guides aka Sierra Wilderness Seminars Inc. reserves the right to reschedule seminars and courses due to severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances which make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Weather Credit or Weather Partial Credit will be given for courses or climbs during or within 24 hrs of the course start dates if severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Our decision will be at the discretion of the climb leader and the Director(s) of SWS Mountain Guides.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
We recommend trip cancellation insurance.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
1:3/4 guide to client ratio
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
Best time for a Summer Ascent of Mt Shasta via Avalanche Gulch is late April to mid- July.
Can I join a group?
Yes, you may join a group; please see the regular schedule departure listed. You may also request a custom climb of Mt Shasta with your departure date with 3 to 8 climbers. The price is the same as our group rate. For less than three climbers, the cost for a private / custom climb is two climbers: $575.00 per person per day / 1 climber $700 per day plus Explore-Share fees.
What is the Elevation Gain and Loss during the trip?
Mt Shasta 2 Days:
Day One: Bunny Flat Elevation: 6,950 ft. to 10,000 ft – 3,050 elevation gain / 930 meters
Day Two: High Camp: 10,000 ft to 14,179 – 4,179 ft / 1274 meters - elevation gain with 7,229 ft / 2200 elevation loss
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
About the guide
SWS
4.70
(22)
Mountain Guide
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.
Languages
English
Certificates
IFMGA | AMGA
What people are saying about SWS
Osly
3.00
Overall, the fair evaluation for the SWS Mountain Guides and the guide assigned to me is 3 stars. Reasons: 1. The guide did not seem to remember or respect the fact that I was new to mountaineering and that the name of program is called “introduction to mountaineering...”. For example, the guide set his own time for walking and resting without any concern to my physical ability for that timing. The guide walked ahead many times and didn’t even notice when I fell a few times. I understand the guide is not the insurer of safety or a hand holder, but a complete abrasive approach to the service is not right, especially when it’s a paid service. Perhaps, the guide is not a right choice for introduction tours. 2. There was a miscommunication with timing of the summit day. I thought we would start summiting around 5am the next day; however, I was told less than 15 hours before that we would start hiking at 1am the next day from base camp. We arrived at base camp early afternoon, and I’m wired up, hot, and not prepared to fall asleep between 5pm-12am, thus, I didn’t sleep at all. I attempted the summit hike but around 12k feet the sleep deprivation was killing me and I was catching myself falling asleep and my body trying to lay down while waking. The guide didn’t seem to concerned about this. Lack of empathy. Eventually, I had to insist we turn around because I didn’t want to go beyond 30 hours of no sleep and still have to descend from the summit. 3. The guide did help set up the tent and food. The guide did explain layers of clothes on and off and why. The guide did help instruct how to pack and why. 4. Overall, I feel this guide is best suited for advanced climbers not introduction courses as he seems to be more of a “ill walk ahead of you” not “ill walk with you” type of guide.
Magdalena
5.00
This was an amazing trip and overall super positive experience with SWS Mountain Guides. I had a great guide with lots of mountain experience and many cool stories to share!
5.00
Had an amazing experience climbing Mt. Whitney with Richard & Tim. They were excellent guides and safely got us to the summit and back.
5.00
Neil from SWS was amazing. We climbed the Mountaineering Route up to Mt. Whitney. It was an amazing experience. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly. I leaned a lot. I would absolutely use these guys again.
5.00
Too bad this review does not allow six stars. SWS is professional, client focused, flexible, and has the clients best interests in mind. I can say the personnel and leadership skills of the SWS guides are among the best. You can't go wrong with SWS.
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