Mount Shasta Climb – North Face
3 days
From $ 799
Duration3 days

Spend three days learning the finer points of mountaineering on Mount Shasta’s northeastern face. Mt. Shasta, the second highest peak in the Cascade Range, offers stupendous views and the perfect location to learn and practice mountaineering skills. Climbers come here each year for the amazing scenery and challenging peaks, and they are not disappointed. Physically challenging, our summit attempt ascends the northeast face of the mountain, gaining more than 7,000 feet in two days. We camp on the mountain in backcountry basecamp—comfortable accommodations beneath the vast sky. We start our ascent at about 7,000 feet and climb through the day to 9,400 feet. Once we arrive and camp is set up, we take some time to cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, specific climbing techniques, as well as an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. Our professional guides are expert climbers, leading our ascent up the mountain. A successful summit attempt leaves us full of personal accomplishment, knowledge of mountaineering skills, and new memories with like-minded adventurers. We also offer more departures in the spring and summer via Shasta's South Face.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 3 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ends in: Sangre de Christo Mountains
    Ages: 18+
Mount Shasta Climb – North Face - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Climb to our first camp today and review mountaineering basics.
Your trip begins today in Mount Shasta City. Meet your climbing guide(s) at the Fifth Season Mountain Shop at 8am. After a brief orientation and gear check, we caravan in our own vehicles to the trailhead. You should expect to add 8-10 pounds of group gear to your personal pack. We start our ascent at about 7,000 ft. and climb through the day to 9,400 ft. where we'll establish our base camp. This full day of moderate/low angle climbing may take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours, with a stop along the way for lunch. Once we arrive and camp is set up, we begin "Snow School" and cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, specific climbing techniques, as well as an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. After snow school, enjoy an early dinner and retire to our sleeping bags. Dinner included.
Climbing: 3-4 mile; 4-6 hours. Elevation gain: ~2,500 ft.
Meals: D
Day 2: The summit of Mt. Shasta is our goal today!
Summit day! Our summit attempt commences between 2:00 am and 3:00 am. Our turnaround time may be as early 11:00 am in order to avoid potentially-serious hazards that tend to manifest in the afternoon. If possible we'll utilize the impressive Hotlum-Bolam Ridge route, depending on current conditions. The descent back to camp may take 2.5 to 4.5 hours. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage 3-4 miles; 10-12 hours. Elevation gain/loss: ~5,000 ft.
Meals: D
Day 3: Our last day on the mountain, we make our descent.
Today we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast, pack and descend from camp back to the trailhead. The descent usually takes 3 to 3.5 hours. We expect to be back between 1pm and 2pm. Although we will be returning fairly early in the day, you may want to consider another night stay at the hotel as you are likely to be tired. If you do choose to travel on this day, we suggest you book late flights. Breakfast included.
Note: On occasion if weather prevents us from making a summit attempt on day two, we may opt to change the summit climb until day three. If this occurs, we will be back to town very late on day three.
Mileage: ~3.5 miles; 2-4 hours. Elevation loss: ~2,500 ft.

End place: Sangre de Christo Mountains

Meals: B

Inclusions

Included

  • Professional instruction and guiding
  • meals as noted in the daily itinerary
  • 2- or 3-person tents
  • group climbing equipment and cooking gear
  • group first-aid kit, water filter
  • campsite and summit permit fees This trip is conducted by Shasta Mountain Guides, llc
  • Accommodation

    Camping on mountain in backcountry basecamp, 2 nights. Optional hotel night stays on either end (not included in trip price)

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