Overview of Mt. Shasta

Snowcapped Mt. Shasta, 14,162 feet (4,317 m), with all its grandeur towering high in the blue sky stands alone and massive in size, isolating itself from the rugged peaks that surround it like a lonely pyramid in the desert. Mt. Shasta is a stratum's volcano, located in the upper regions of northern California and is situated in the largest zone of volcanoes in the world called the Pacific Ring of Fire. Seventy five percent of the world's volcanoes lie along this ring, which stretches from Alaska to South America and circles the Pacific Ocean, heading north through Japan and circling back to Alaska. Mt. Shasta is in a section of this ring called the Cascade Range, which begins where the Sierra Nevadas end and extends about 700 miles from northern California through Oregon and Washington into southern British Columbia.

There are a total of nineteen major volcanoes in the Cascade Range with elevations ranging from 9,500 feet to a towering height of more than 14,000 feet. Mt. Rainier, in the state of Washington, is the tallest and stands at an elevation of 14,411 feet. Mt. Shasta, the second tallest volcano in the lower 48 states, is 249 feet lower than Rainier, but more massive. All of these mountains tower more than 9,500 feet and they seem to have a mysterious aurora about them that lures people from all over the world to come climb to their summits.

Mount Shasta City, 3,536 feet, lies at the base on the southwestern slope on the Mountain. The climate consists of cold snowy winters and long hot summers. The city is the hub or starting point for most climbers. More information on the community, lodging, and the mountain can be found at Shasta Home Community Guide. The Everitt Memorial Highway, a county maintained road, starts in the city and follows up the southwestern slope of the Mountain to the Bunny Flat trailhead. The trailhead at 6,860 feet, is the beginning of the summit trail that follows along the Avalanche Gulch route and many others. Experienced climbers can also take this trailhead if they want to tackle one of the most awesome routes on the Mountain; the Casaval Ridge route.

When To Climb

Most people climb from May through October. The snow conditions are close to perfect and the weather is more stable during these months. Ski poles can really be an asset during the time when loose volcanic soil exists. You need to be aware of small avalanches, rockfalls, and chunks of ice that may come down from the ridge tops. Rocks take the path of the least resistance, which is usually right in the path where you're climbing. Rockfall can occur at any time of the year. Winter ascents are possible and are done quite often by the experienced climber who is aware of unstable weather and avalanche danger. It should not be done by first time climbers! Plan your climb carefully and always check ahead for the weather and snow conditions any time of the year!

Route 1 - Avalanche Gulch

Most climbers, especially first time climbers, use Route 1, the Avalanche Gulch route beginning at the Bunny Flat trailhead. This route is one of the most popular and climbed routes in the United States and is also called the main route. It's considered non-technical which means you won't need ropes or belay devices, however, an ice axe and crampons are a must for climbing this route, even during the late summer when most of the snow is gone because the chimneys of the Red Banks remain icy.

The hiking distance from the Bunny Flat trailhead to the summit, using the Avalanche Gulch route, is about six vertical miles with an elevation gain of more than 7,000 feet. How long it takes to climb depends on the route selected, the snow conditions, and your physical condition. Although the trip can be done in one day, it is recommended (especially for inexperienced climbers) to accomplish the trip in two days by making an overnight base camp at Helen Lake at 10,443 feet. This gives you time to acclimate to the higher altitude and also allows you to tackle the summit after a good nights rest. It also gives you time to kick back in base camp and enjoy the Mountain.

More Info: So you want to climb Mt. Shasta?