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14,179 ft · Cascade Range, California
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta is a 14,179 ft peak in the Cascade Range, California. The standard route is the Avalanche Gulch: 10 mi, 7,208 ft of gain, Class 3.
Mount Shasta at a glance
- Elevation14,179 ft4,321 m
- RouteAvalanche GulchClass 3
- Distance10 mi7,208 ft gain
- Time1 – 2 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonMay – Jul
- RangeCascade RangeCalifornia
Climbing the Avalanche Gulch
From the town of Mount Shasta, CA, drive to Bunny Flat. The standard route climbs from Horse Camp past Helen Lake (10,400 feet), where most parties camp, then up the gulch through the Red Banks and Misery Hill to the summit. A summit pass and wilderness permit are required. A serious glaciated volcano with rockfall in the Red Banks, steep snow, and fast-changing weather. Crampons and ice axe with self-arrest skills are mandatory. Start by 2–3am for firm snow and to beat afternoon softening. Northern California's iconic stratovolcano.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–55 L)
Water
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Whistle
Offline Maps- Compass
- Paper Map
GPS Device
Satellite Communicator
Headlamp
Power Bank
Mountaineering Boots
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Trekking Poles
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Heavyweight Gloves
Buff
Sun Hat
Glacier Glasses
Sunscreen
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
What to watch for
- Steep exposure
- Avalanches
- Rockfall
- High altitude
- Snow near summit
- Ice near summit
- High winds
- Storms
- Glacier travel
- Crevasses
- Loose rock
- Low visibility
- Altitude sickness
- Icy summit conditions
Mount Shasta on Yak
Climbers have shared 11 climbs of Mount Shasta on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Mount Shasta
California 14ers
Lower 48 14ers
Cascade Volcanoes
Lower 48 UltrasPeaks near Mount Shasta
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Shasta?
Mount Shasta is 14,179 feet (4,321 m) tall. It is in the Cascade Range, California.
How does Mount Shasta rank among the California 14ers?
At 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta is the 5th highest of the 12 California 14ers. The highest is Mount Whitney.
How hard is it to climb Mount Shasta?
The Avalanche Gulch is Class 3, which means scrambling, where you use your hands to climb and a fall could be serious. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 10 miles with 7,208 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Mount Shasta?
Most climbers plan 1 – 2 days for the Avalanche Gulch, with at least one night on the mountain.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Shasta?
Yes. Climbers going above 10,000 feet need a summit pass, and everyone entering the wilderness needs a free wilderness permit, both from Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Check current rules with the forest before you go.
Is Mount Shasta dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need crampons and an ice axe for Mount Shasta?
Plan on it. Crampons and an ice axe are on the gear list for the Avalanche Gulch for the snow and ice on the upper mountain, along with mountaineering boots that take crampons. Conditions vary through the season, so check recent reports before you go.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Shasta?
Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Mount Shasta reaches 14,179 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.
When is the best time to climb Mount Shasta?
The usual climbing window is May to July. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Shasta with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list