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

Spectacular views, challenging routes and plenty of personal instruction, a 3-day ascent of Mount Shasta’s South Face is an unforgettable achievement. At 14,179 feet, Mt. Shasta is the second highest volcanic peak in the Cascade Range. Physically challenging with stunning scenery along the way, Shasta is a great endeavor for novice and experienced climbers alike. Our South Face route is a classic steep snow climb, with much to offer the beginning mountaineer. We start our ascent around 7,000 feet and traveling up to about 8,000 feet to set-up base camp. Once camp is set up, we begin "Snow School" and cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, climbing techniques and an introduction to roped travel in preparation for our summit attempt. We ascend the route at a pace that gives us time for plenty of instruction and practice as we make our climb. The mountain's towering summit is the perfect reward after a demanding but fun ascent. Looking for later dates or a more technical route? See our Mount Shasta Climb – North Face trip for another option.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 3 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ages: 18+
Mount Shasta Climb – South Face - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Climb to your first camp today with time to review mountaineering basics.
Your trip begins today in Mount Shasta City. Meet your climbing guide(s) at the Fifth Season Mountain Shop at 9:00 am. After a brief orientation, we caravan in our own vehicles to the trailhead. You should expect to add approximately 8-10 pounds of group gear to your personal pack. We start our ascent around 7,000 ft. and traveling up to about 8,000 ft. to set-up base camp. Once camp is set up, we begin "Snow School" and cover the basics of ice axe and crampon use, climbing techniques and 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.
Mileage: ~2.5 miles; 2-3 hours. Elevation gain ~1,000 ft.
Meals: D
Day 2: Ascend to the higher second camp, and practice climbing skills along the way.
Today we move to high camp. We hike to about 10,000 ft. and set up camp. Expect to climb for 4 or more hours today. If weather permits, we can continue working on skills before dinner and end the night with a briefing on the next day's events and plenty of rest. Breakfast and dinner included.
Mileage: ~2.5 miles; 4-5 hours. Elevation gain ~2,000 ft.
Meals: D
Day 3: Aim for the summit of Mt. Shasta!
Summit day! Our summit attempt commences between 2:00 am and 3:00 am. If possible we take the Avalanche Gulch route, depending on current conditions. Our turnaround time may be as early 11:00 am in order to avoid potentially serious hazards that tend to manifest in the afternoon. Depending on conditions, then, the descent to camp may take 2.5 to 4.5 hours. From camp, we pack up and make our final descent to the trailhead. Expect to be back between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm. You may consider another night stay at the hotel as you are likely to be very tired.  Breakfast included.
Mileage: ~2.5 miles to summit, ~7 miles descent; 12-14 hour total. Elevation: 4,000-5,000 ft. gain, 7,000-8,000 ft. loss.
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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