Mt. Shasta

Description: Mt. Shasta is the crown jewel of California hiking. This majestic mountain stands alone in the cascades as the toughest challenge for any one day hiker or climber. Although this is not a hike per se, I recommend it in this site for its challenging and adventure characteristics. This is a very steep and tough climb (class 3). Altitude sickness is a real danger here, so I recommend you go with a partner for safety and practical reasons. If you plan on doing this hike in two days, like most people do, you will need to camp at Helen’s Lake at 10,000 feet of elevation. Mountaineering equipment is required beyond Helen’s lake to reach the summit. The second portion of this route heads straight up the mountain reaching a section called the heart. This is the most dangerous part of this climb, and where most people have serious accidents. Once you reach the crest, the effects of the high altitude will start showing through headaches, dizziness and disorientation. The red banks (ridge) is characterized for its high winds and extremely cold weather. You will definitely need several layers to protect against the cold wind chill, no matter what time of the year you go. The next section you will encounter is misery hill, which gets its name because of its false summit appearance. The summit is soon within sight after overcoming the painful experience of misery hill.

Hike Stats:

Length: 12 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 7,259 ft

Trailhead: 6,920 ft

Summit: 14,179 ft


Route: Easiest route is Avalanche Gulch, straight ahead from the bunny flat parking lot.


Best time to visit: There is a small window in which you can do this hike, go too early in the spring and you will have to battle against unpredictable weather. Go too late in the summer and the snow will have melted, exposing the lava rocks and making them rolling boulders down the mountain. You have to do this hike/climb during the months of May and mid July.


What to bring: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Ice Axe, Shelter, Crampons, Helmet, Summit Pass, Winter Boots, Extra Layers, plenty of Water. Don’t rely on melting snow at Helen’s Lake. Most of the snow surrounding the camp is contaminated by urine.


Parking: Bunny Flat. Free but gets crowded during the weekends.


Restrooms: Yes, at the trailhead.


Permits: You will need a 10,000 feet summit pass. You can buy this permit at REI.

Mount Shasta