Dispersed camping is prohibited in areas around the towns of McCloud, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir and Castella due to the potential for new fires to start and burn uncontrollably. This forest order will be in effect until October 31, 2020. Day use will still be allowed in all areas throughout the unit. Please recreate responsibly and limit the use of any source of fire including stoves and smoking.
Signs and maps are posted along the unit boundary. The gate above McBride campground is open. The gate at Bunny Flat will remain closed for the season. There is no water available at Horse Camp and camping at this time on Sierra Club land is prohibited.
Be Prepared!!
Our goal is to ensure you have a positive wilderness experience and come home in one piece! So,
- BE PREPARED
- DO YOUR RESEARCH
- ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
- KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR ICE AXE & CRAMPONS.
- CARRY PROPER NAVIGATION TOOLS AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM
- REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
Accidents and Hazards
Almost all the accidents on Mt. Shasta result from:
- Slipping and falling with a failure to self-arrest
- Glissading when the snow is too firm
- Glissading with crampons on
- Climbing into a whiteout
- Being struck by early-season icefall or late season rockfall
With the right knowledge, skill, equipment, and decision making, all of these accidents can be easily prevented. Please, wear a helmet, and know how to use your ice axe and crampons any time of the year.
There is always the potential for thunderstorm activity during the summer months that can shroud the mountain in clouds, limiting visibility. Climbers becoming disoriented on the upper mountain in whiteout conditions, and subsequently descending the wrong route is not uncommon. These kinds of scenarios have resulted in many searches over the years. It should go without saying, but we will say it as a solid reminder: Check the weather before you go and more importantly, monitor the weather as you climb. DO NOT CLIMB INTO A WHITEOUT! Being caught on the mountain in any type of weather can compromise life and limb.
Many hazards exist in mountain terrain. Some of these include:
- Ice and rockfall
- Altitude
- Extreme weather
- Avalanches
Icefall and rockfall are possible year-round. It's a simple equation: as snow melts, rockfall increases. If rime ice is seen plastered to exposed rocks above, it will eventually flake off and fall onto climbers. Wear a helmet and keep your eyes up slope as you climb. Pay attention to other climbers: rockfall is often caused by climbers resting in melted out areas and accidentally dislodging rocks onto slopes and climbers below. Be careful not to kick rocks down onto others.
At a height of 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta is a high altitude peak. It is common for climbers to experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) with signs and symptoms of nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. Despite being a common condition, AMS should not be taken lightly. It can quickly develop into the much more serious, and potentially deadly pulmonary or cerebral edema. Stop and take a break. If symptoms do not improve, your only choice is to descend!
Mt Shasta is a 14, 179-foot volcano with steep slopes, avalanches, glaciers, rockfall, altitude, and extreme weather. Some may feel like Mt Shasta is "safe" due to it's proximity to Interstate 5 and it's "easy" climbing objective connotation. This is false. One should still expect cold, winter-like conditions at any time of year. Have the appropriate gear AND skill level. Mountaineering is dangerous and climbers must be able to constantly evaluate the terrain, weather, and many other factors in order to have a safe trip. One should also not expect immediate rescue. Many factors can prolong rescues. Thus, it is necessary, no matter what mountain of the world, that you be prepared.
Mountain Weather
Check the WEATHER FORECAST before coming up onto Mt. Shasta! Our site's main menu hosts numerous resources on the weather. Researching the mountain weather should be an important part of your trip planning.
Clouds and Precipitation: While you may encounter fair weather at lower elevations, cloud caps can form up high. Never climb into a whiteout as many climbers have become lost or died in similar conditions. Many routes from all aspects of Mt. Shasta converge on the upper mountain (>12,500 feet). During limited visibility conditions, climbers have descended the wrong side of the mountain. Keep an eye to the sky as you climb, turning around if clouds begin to build on or near the mountain.
Lightning: Mt. Shasta is a 14,000-foot lightning rod and is frequently hit by lightning (usually in summer and fall months), so don't push your luck with building thunderheads.
Wind: Winds can reach over 100 mph at tree line (8,000 ft) and much higher in the alpine region. Winds of 40 mph can knock you off balance. Winds of 60-70 mph can force you to crawl. Hurricane strength winds (>74 mph) can make it nearly impossible to stand and will destroy well-anchored tents. The strongest winds occur with big pressure and temperature gradients in the atmosphere and tend to occur in front of, and behind storms. The lowest winds occur when the center of high pressure is over the Mt Shasta area. Take this seriously as wind has resulted in searches, injuries, and fatalities.
Tips & Notes
Climb early and descend early. This limits exposure to inclement weather (afternoon buildup of clouds is common), and allows plenty of time to descend before dark, and also allows a rescue effort to ensue before dark in the event one gets injured or lost.
Get an alpine start (2-5 am) and have a turn around time of 12 to 1 pm. Proper equipment, clothing, and training are a must. Helmets are recommended always and expect rock and ice fall at all times.
Bring extra warm gear (like a down jacket, balaclava, and extra gloves) in all seasons as climbers often develop superficial frostbite during strong winds. The wind chill temperature near the summit in winter and spring can be well below zero.
Anchor your tent well wherever you camp. Tents can and do blow away frequently. Do not plan to camp above treeline if you do not have anchor lines for your tent.
Solo climbing is not recommended. Traveling with an experienced group is a good idea, and remember - do not split up the group!
The routes on the north and east sides are not recommended for unguided novices; glacier travel and route finding skills are prerequisites.
Get avalanche training and know how to use your transceiver, shovel, and probe in the winter and spring.
Mountain Rescue
Do not expect to be rescued. Rather, prevent rescues from happening in the first place, and be prepared to handle rescues within your climbing party should something happen. Nature sets its own terms and YOU must judge how much risk you are willing to accept.
When to Climb
The BEST time to climb Mt. Shasta is usually from May to mid-July on the south and west sides of the mountain when summer days are longer and the weather is generally stable. However, in dry years, the thin snowpack creates the best climbing conditions in April, May and early June. When the snow melts, you are left with 7,000 feet of scree, talus, and boulders. In heavy snow years, the climbing season extends to August or September. There is NO trail to the summit. Climbing is much safer and fun on consolidated snow.
A winter climb of Mt. Shasta is possible, but it is more difficult and dangerous: extreme weather, short days, avalanches, falling ice and potential post-holing increase the difficulty and danger on all routes. If you choose to travel in the backcountry during the winter and spring, you need to have the proper equipment and training to stay safe. An avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe and the ability to identify avalanche terrain and snow stability are essential. A climb of Shasta should not be taken lightly.
Every year, many climbers become lost, injured or killed while attempting Mt. Shasta. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with a little bit of pre-planning and training. YOU need to come prepared.
What to Bring
- MANDATORY: wilderness permit, summit pass, human waste pack-out bags. Available for self-issue at all open trailheads.
- THE TEN ESSENTIALS: map and compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra food and water, extra clothing, headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, matches/lighter, stove, knife/multi-tool, bivy sack
- HELMET, ICE-AXE, & CRAMPONS
- AVALANCHE BEACON, AVALANCHE PROBE, SHOVEL
Wilderness permits, summit passes, and pack-out bags are currently available at all trailheads, the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations and The 5th Season in Mount Shasta City. All trailheads are currently open. Annual passes ($30) are only available at the The Fifth Season outdoor store in Mt Shasta. The Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations are usually open Monday through Friday from 8 to 4:30 PM. Due to COVID-19, the ranger stations are currently CLOSED. Check our climbing regulations for more details.
Using common sense and carrying the TEN essentials keep you and your party out of search and rescue statistics. Wear a helmet, and know how to use your ice axe and crampons. Be prepared and pay attention. The mountain has extreme weather changes.
Winter and Spring months usually see periods of heightened avalanche danger, though this danger could exist in the summer months under the right circumstances. Research the weather and avalanche danger while planning your trip. Have your climbing party bring avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels armed with proficient skills in their use. Know how to identify avalanche terrain and evaluate snowpack stability.
Shasta Alpine Hut (Horse Camp)
Camping is currently prohibited on Sierra Club land. The bathrooms are open at the Sierra Alpine Hut and day use is permitted. The spring is flowing and water is available. The stone cabin and the surrounding property are owned and managed by the Sierra Club Foundation. The cabin is open year-round and all are welcome, however, one cannot sleep inside the cabin, except in emergencies. Make sure you close the door when you leave. In the future, if you plan on camping at Horse Camp, a nominal $3 bivy/$5 tent fee is asked. Lastly, the Sierra Club Foundation manages its property under the Mt. Shasta Wilderness rules - that means dogs are not allowed. Horses are also prohibited on the property. Please respect the rules. Thanks!
Dogs
DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE MT. SHASTA WILDERNESS OR WITHIN THE SIERRA CLUB PROPERTY BOUNDARIES (Sierra Alpine Hut).
While a winter climb of Mount Shasta is possible, understand that it significantly raises the stakes. Extreme weather, short days, avalanches, falling ice, and potential post-holing increase the difficulty and danger on all routes.
Bring the proper equipment with the knowledge to use it effectively. This includes:
- Avalanche beacon
- Shovel
- Probe
The ability to use these tools in a rescue, and to be able to identify avalanche terrain and snow stability are absolutely necessary.
Also remember to bring standard winter mountaineering equipment:
- Warm winter clothing
- A robust tent
- Proper navigation tools (electronics fail quickly in cold weather)
- An ice axe and crampons.
DO NOT attempt to climb Mount Shasta without proper training, preparation and research. Despite being 15 minutes off the interstate, Mount Shasta is a real mountain with real consequences.
The road to Bunny Flat Trailhead (6,950 feet) is plowed and open in the winter. The gate to the Old Ski Bowl is usually closed for the season after November 1st. There are bathrooms, but NO running water or other facilities. Access to other trailheads is dependent on snow cover. All wilderness trailheads are winterized and closed for the season. You may still access them, but your summit pass, wilderness permit, and human waste pack-out bag must be attained at the ranger station in Mount Shasta or McCloud.
REQUIRED TO CLIMB MT SHASTA: Summit pass ($25 and required above 10,000 feet, even if you don't plan on going to the summit), wilderness permit (free) and human waste pack-out bag. All of these items are available for self-issue at the Bunny Flat Trailhead or the Mount Shasta/McCloud Ranger Stations and The Fifth Season store in downtown Mount Shasta.
Late-season conditions are in full effect on Mount Shasta. Observations and updates of this advisory will be less frequent as we enter into the Fall season. Late season conditions mean that rockfall is at its highest, sun cups on any remaining snow are plentiful, and loose, rocky slopes dominate. Snow on most of the mountain has melted and thin strips of dirty, icy snow intermingled with rocky terrain remains. Climbing conditions on the south and west sides have deteriorated and climbing the Avalanche Gulch, West Face, Casaval Ridge, Sargent's Ridge and Green Butte Ridge routes is not recommended due to increased rockfall and almost no snow remaining.
The best late-season route for novice and intermediate climbers is the Clear Creek route. Some routes that start from the Brewer Creek TH are in decent shape like the Hotlum/Wintun ridge route. Routes from the Northgate TH are still in good shape, such as the Hotlum/Bolam ridge. The north side routes are recommended for experienced climbers only and are very icy at this time. Watch for thin snow bridges on all glacier routes. Many variations and hazards exist to all these routes, so know where you are going.
REQUIRED TO CLIMB MT SHASTA: Summit pass ($25 and required above 10,000 feet, even if you don't plan on going to the summit), wilderness permit (free) and human waste pack-out bag. All of these items are available for self-issue at all OPEN trailheads or the Mount Shasta/McCloud Ranger Stations and The Fifth Season store in downtown Mount Shasta. Annual passes are available from The 5th Season, 300 N. Mount Shasta Blvd. Due to COVID-19, the ranger stations are still closed.
Click HERE for California Coronavirus information.
Tips, Tricks and other info...!
All trailheads are currently open with full access. Dispersed camping and/or camping in the MS Wilderness is prohibited at this time. Some of the roads to the trailheads are rough and require 4wd. Kiosks at trailheads have self-issue permit stations and human waste packout bags are inside the restroom facilities. Upon your return, deposit full waste bags in trash receptacles.
Potable water is available at Horse Camp. Other water sources (but not tested) include the Clear Creek Springs, Northgate high camp, Ash Creek, Hotlum Hilton glacial tarn. One may find intermittent streams in some areas but otherwise plan on melting snow (whatever is left of it!) for water. Treating water is recommended.
Rockfall is a serious concern at this time. It will only increase as the summer/fall press on. You can be the best climber in the world and still get hit by a rock(s).
The vast majority of accidents happen in between Lake Helen and Redbanks on the Avalanche Gulch route. Most accidents are slips and falls, rockfall, or climbers getting lost. Pay attention, know how to self-arrest, wear a helmet, carry navigation tools. Note that climbing the Avalanche Gulch route is not advised due to late-season conditions.
Tie your tent down well! Wind will blow it away.
Keep your food packed away. Animals such as ravens, squirrels, and pine martens will get into it.
Overall, we have had a dry winter on Mount Shasta. In terms of total precipitation for the winter, we are 50% of normal for the season and 45% for the year. February was the driest on record since 1948.
It has been a funky season all things considered: a poor winter, the C-19 pandemic and mixed spring weather. We always encourage people to challenge themselves with new (or familiar) adventures, but we ask that you please consider all things this year. As always, check the weather and be prepared. Slips/falls and climbers becoming lost on Mount Shasta continue to be the top search and rescue incidents, every year. These accidents are easily avoided by carrying proper navigation tools and knowing how to use your equipment. Further, be honest with your mountaineering knowledge, skills, and ability. If it doesn't feel right, it likely isn't.
The gate at Bunny Flat on the Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED to Panther Meadows, Old Ski Bowl, and South Gate Meadows trailheads. Make sure to bring extra fuel to melt snow for water if camping elsewhere. There are many dry camping sites at Lake Helen.
Camp cleanliness and overall mountain sanitation are very important to us and other climbers. When traveling in the wilderness always follow Leave No Trace principles. Minimize your impact. Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Depose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Always respect wildlife.
Bunny Flat Trailhead
The Bunny Flat trailhead and Mount Shasta Wilderness are open. Camping is however prohibited at this time. It's not uncommon for Bunny Flat to host hundreds of people. Maintain social distance. Click HERE for California Coronavirus information. There is no water available at the trailhead. Bathrooms are provided and overnight camping is permitted. If you have a large RV, please park out of the way and downhill from the restrooms.
Don't hesitate to give us a call for your specific questions at 530-926-9614. We're in the field a lot, but we'll call you back within a day or so.
