Mount Shasta Women's Climb
4 days
From $ 899
Duration4 days

Step into a realm of raw beauty on this four-day alpine challenge that will inspire and transform you. Perfect for anyone who wants to learn mountaineering fundamentals or energize their life and fitness routine with an epic goal, this trip is a classic climb on a peak that many people hold sacred. After a quick orientation, we head to our first camp on the vaulting, snow-streaked slopes of Mount Shasta. Our enthusiastic expert guides lead us through Snow School, teaching us how to move safely across glaciers and rocky terrain. On day two, we climb to our second camp within a high alpine cirque called Hidden Valley. The cold, pure air focuses our minds for our day three summit attempt. We depart at 2am—an “alpine start”—and climb heavenward beneath a canopy of stars. As we ascend and descend the west face, testing body and mind, we encounter moments of wonder. The rising sun casting Shasta’s shadow on the horizon. Gazing out over the Cascade Range with a deep sense of accomplishment. Glissading gleefully down the mountain’s face. Summit or not, this trip will stay with you forever.

This tour is operated by

  • Duration: 4 days
    Service level: Standard
  • Physical Grading: Challenging
  • Ages: 18+
Mount Shasta Women's Climb - Tour Map

Itinerary

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Day 1: Ascend from Bunny Flat to Horse Camp; Snow School Part I.
Your trip begins in Mount Shasta City. Meet your guides and fellow climbers at the Fifth Season Mountain Shop at 9am. After a brief orientation and gear check, we caravan in our own vehicles to the trailhead. Expect to add 8-10 pounds of group gear to your personal pack.
We start our ascent from Bunny Flat trailhead at about 6,950' and ascend to base camp at 8,000'. Our climb may take up to three hours as we carefully navigate our way to Horse Camp. Once we arrive and camp is set up, we begin "Snow School." The goal of snow school is to prepare the whole team for a safe efficient and enjoyable climb. The lessons are physically demanding and essential to creating a cohesive climb team. Dinner at camp with spectacular views and new friends allows time to reflect on the day and prepare for the next.
Climbing: 2 miles; 1,000’ elevation gain.
Day 2: Climb to Hidden Valley Base Camp; Snow School Part II.
A 7am wakeup call with guide-prepared breakfast gets us ready for our second day on Shasta. After packing up camp and loading our packs, we make our ascent to Hidden Valley Camp. We climb 1,500’ in 1.5 miles over terrain that is made up of snow and scree with large boulders to navigate around all the while carrying our full packs. We set up camp in the picturesque Hidden Valley just below our West Face climbing route and prep for Snow School Part II with a focus on ice axe arrest, rope team travel, and high altitude management. At dinner our guides thoroughly cover the logistics of climb day and advise us on all preparation. Then it is time to prepare our summit packs before an early bedtime to be ready for our early start to the summit.
Climbing: 1.5 miles; 1,500’ elevation gain.
Day 3: Summit Shasta!
Guides call for an alpine start which means we are ready to climb as early as 2am depending on route conditions and weather. Our Class II climb is up the West Face, a favorite route of our guides. Expect moderately steep snow slopes of 45 degrees with exposure in some places. Our greatest challenges today will the physical strain on the body and the mental challenge. We are roped together as a team for safety and we climb for periods of 1 to 1.5 hours at a time between maintenance breaks. This ascent takes most climbers up to nine hours. We expect to back at base camp by 5pm where we will have the afternoon to relax, celebrate, and enjoy a final sunset together on the mountain.
Climbing: 2.3 miles; 4,500’ elevation gain, 4,500’ elevation loss.
Day 4: Descend to the trailhead
Our final morning together we enjoy a leisurely breakfast and more time to learn or hear stories from our inspirational guides before packing up camp and preparing for our descent. The journey down is filled with recounting harrowing tales of the summit, planning future adventures, and relishing in an incredible experience shared with new friends. We plan to be back at Bunny Flat Trailhead by early afternoon. One final farewell and high-five closes out this extraordinary adventure.
Climbing 2.5 miles; Elevation loss 2,500’

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
  • Accommodation

    Camping on mountain in backcountry basecamp, 3 nights. Optional hotel night stays on either end (not included in trip price)

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