You are here

Trailhead Access Update

Climbing Route(s): Avalanche Gulch, Casaval Ridge, West Face, Cascade Gulch, Whitney Glacier, Bolam/Whitney Ridge, Bolam Glacier, Hotlum/Bolam Ridge, Hotlum Glacier, Hotlum/Wintun Snowfield, Wintun Glacier, Wintun Ridge, Clear Creek, Sargents Ridge, Green Butte Ridge
Trailhead(s): Brewer Creek, Bunny Flat, Clear Creek, Northgate, Sand Flat, Ski Bowl
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date/Time of Observation: 
Friday, May 19, 2023 - 2:30pm
Position: 
Climbing Ranger

General Conditions

Trailhead Access Update as of 5-18-23

Ample snow still exists above 5,000 feet elevation on/around Mount Shasta. While it's melting fast with the warm temps, many miles of snow covered roads prolong access to backcountry wilderness trailheads. Bunny Flat is the only open trailhead at this time. It is plowed to this trailhead year-round. This is the most popular trailhead and accesses all south and west side routes. On weekends, Bunny Flat is a busy place. If the parking lot is full, park single file down the east side of the Everitt Memorial Highway. Maintain two-way traffic in and out of Bunny Flat. DO NOT park on the west side of the road. Not only will you block traffic flow, you may get a boulder into the side of your vehicle from the exposed road cut above.

For all other trailheads around Mount Shasta, you may still access if you wish, but your summit pass, wilderness permit and wag bags must be attained at the Mt Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations. Self-serve climber kiosks have all your necessary items and are available 24/7/365. For annual summit passes, you must purchase at the Mt Shasta Ranger Station or The Fifth Season during business hours.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS - 5.18.23 - Distances listed below represent the mileage remaining to the trailhead, blocked by snow. Roads are often patchy at lower elevations, becoming more consistently covered as elevation is gained. A snowmobile could be used, but expect patches of dirt riding.

Clear Creek - 7 miles

Brewer Creek - 16.5 miles via the Highway 89 approach. From Highway 97, Military Pass is still closed, which leaves a similar distance to the TH.

Northgate - 2.5 miles

Old Ski Bowl - 3 miles

Sand Flat - 2 miles

Photographs

  • Clear Creek route center, Mud Creek Canyon/Konwakiton Glacier left, Hotlum/Wintun route right
  • Blue dot represents high point in vehicle for the Clear Creek TH - 7 miles to TH
  • Drift blocking access on Clear Creek road - 7 miles to TH
  • Blue dot represents high point in vehicle for the Brewer Creek TH - 16.5 miles to TH from Highway 89 approach
  • Snow on road at Pilgrim Creek Sno-Park, leaving ~16.5 miles to Brewer Creek TH