Trail running event
running event

Climb Mt. Shasta
3 days | 2 nights		   Mt. Shasta
Mt. Shasta is a beautiful peak and well suited for an mountaineering introduction.

Helen at around 10,000 feet. Frozen and snow covered much of the year, Lake Helen is situated in a shallow basin between the Casaval and Green Butte Ridges, and has spectacular views to the south, including the granite domes of Castle Crags State Park.

Taking advantage of firm snow conditions in the morning, we should be up to Lake Helen by midday, when, after we get established, we will have a chance for another afternoon mountaineering skills practice session and a chance to address any questions we may still have about our ascent. Watching climbers descending from their summit attempts is a source of constant entertainment, as well as good information about route conditions and weather higher on the mountain. We’ll do an early dinner, and get plenty of rest for our early morning departure.

Day Three: Waking up to a panorama of stars glittering in the clear high-altitude air, we will be tempted to simply lie on our backs and stargaze, but the anticipation of the day’s adventure will keep us moving through breakfast and the beginning of the climb. To take advantage of the firm snow in the morning, and to give us plenty of time to climb at a comfortable pace, we will probably be up and moving by around 3 am. Roped into small teams, and climbing by headlamp, we will steadily make our way up the shallow bowl of Avalanche Gulch, passing Thumb Rock, a tall, multicolored plug of volcanic rock, and the Red Banks cliff band as we work together to move smoothly up the mountain.

Sunrise is one of the highlights of any Shasta ascent, and provides a wonderful opportunity to stop and take some photos we will probably want to frame once we get home. Watching the surrounding countryside come into focus, with lingering bits of fog and the long shadows, is always spectacular, and the reddish early morning light on the glaciers of Mt. Shasta is a sight most people will never get to see.

As we get closer to the summit, we will start to feel the altitude even more strongly as we breathe harder than our heart rates may suggest and the legs feel a bit heavy. A final challenge, known by the dramatic title of “Misery Hill,” brings us up onto the summit plateau and the top. The summit is simply spectacular; a rocky point pushing up into the sky, with a 360° panorama of some of the wildest and most remote territory in the state. The views of Mt. Lassen, Shastina, Castle Crags State Park, the Trinity Alps, and even peaks in southern Oregon are unparalleled, and we will also get to see all of Shasta’s glaciers, ridges, and climbing routes from our perch in the sky.

After a bit of food and water, and a moment to add our names to the register on the summit, we will begin our descent, working our way down the softening snow back to our camp at Lake Helen. After lunch and a rest, we’ll pack up camp and drop back down to the trailhead and our cars, where showers, hearty meals, and queen-sized beds are only a short drive away. Tired, but with that lingering sense of accomplishment that comes from undertaking a new and difficult challenge, we will sleep soundly that night.

Location:
Mt. Shasta, CA
Dates:
August 21‒23, 2006
(3 days, 2 nights)
Fees:
$550.00
(Trip cost includes: breakfasts and dinners, tents, community gear, cooking equipment, safety, ropes, and all passes and permits.)
Note:
Register online via Active.com. Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Mt. Shasta: Three-Day Avalanche Gulch Itinerary. Shasta stands alone as the most dramatic of California’s 14,000 foot peaks, with some of the state’s largest glaciers, gorgeous views of Shastina, Mt. Lassen, and the Trinity Alps, active volcanic steam vents, and physically strenuous but technically easy mountaineering challenges. Part of the Cascade Range of volcanoes, Mt. Shasta presents adventure opportunities unique even among California’s endless natural riches—and we’ve planned our three-day ascent to hit the highlights.

Mt. Shasta’s volcanic past makes it an exceptionally beautiful peak, and one well suited for an introduction to the world of mountaineering. As a volcano, Shasta grew over time from the relatively modest landscape around it, forming a solitary symmetrical cone that now dominates the skyline of northern California and southern Oregon like an American Mt. Fuji. Because the sides of the mountain are not excessively steep, and are free of major rock faces or continuous cliff bands, the easier climbing routes on Shasta are accessible to most physically fit individuals.

Despite the relative ease of climbing the mountain, Mt. Shasta still presents all of the challenges of a big mountaineering objective, including glacier travel, snow and ice climbing, technical rope work, snow camping, high altitude, and route finding. The combination of low technical difficulty and high learning potential makes Mt. Shasta an ideal setting for learning mountaineering skills.

This mountain adventure starts in Shasta City, where we�ll meet our guides and pick up any rental gear that we may need for our ascent. It is a gorgeous way to start our trip, as the west face of Mt. Shasta towers above the town, an awe-inspiring view of our playground for the next couple of days. After collecting our gear, we’ll drive to the Bunny Flat Trailhead, where our guides will divide up the community gear and help us pare down and load our backpacks.

Day One: Our first day will be mellow, with a focus on getting comfortable with the mountain and the altitude, and introducing ourselves to each other and the mountain. The hike from the trailhead climbs gently out of high pine and fir forests, gaining just over a thousand vertical feet as we pass the tree line and onto the first of Shasta’s extensive snowfields.

After setting up camp, we’ll spend the afternoon familiarizing ourselves with basic mountaineering techniques and gear, as our expert mountain guides pass on their technical knowledge and experience. “Snow School” will teach us the skills we’ll need for using ice axes and crampons, traveling in roped teams, and navigating the glaciers and permanent snowfields ahead. That will take most of the afternoon, but there’ll still be plenty time for taking photos and relaxing before the Redwood Trails staff makes a gourmet dinner for us to enjoy as we savor Shasta’s famously long and colorful sunsets.

Day Two: Our second day brings our first travel on snow, as we move from our initial camp to our high camp near Lake

 
 
Preparations: Plan to be in your very best physical condition before the Shasta, Climb although by many routes, isn’t technically difficult, is a big mountain and can be tough! We recommend arriving at least one day prior to the start date of your climb or course. Time can be spent hiking in the area at moderate altitude and organizing your pack and rental gear. There is a great variety of accommodations in Mount Shasta from the basic to deluxe. Call us for recommendations.

Neither Redwood Trails, nor any other company can guarantee a successful summit bid; some individuals may not be able to complete this strenuous climb. Therefore, take responsibility to be physically and mentally prepared for the challenge: Your exercise program should be started well in advance of your trip. This should involve concentration on the same muscle groups you will be using in climbing and hiking. Take regular hikes, preferably on hilly terrain, as often as possible. Carrying a pack during these hikes will pay the most dividends in preparing for a climb. You can load the pack with containers of water, giving yourself variable weight, as well as something to drink during the exercise. Other forms of training are running and jogging, cycling, and swimming for additional aerobic stamina.

Any time spent at altitude—even if it’s only one or two thousand feet above where you normally live—is time well spent. Remember, the more you put into your training program now, the more you will be able to enjoy yourself during the climb. Climbing requires stamina, conditioning, and preparation to make it safe and enjoyable. Please call or email if you’d like to discuss specific conditioning in greater depth, or if you have any medical problems that require attention.

Included is an equipment list of necessary gear specifically for the trip. Everything on it is essential for your trip, both for your comfort and summit success. Please read it carefully and arrive properly equipped. Depending on your personal gear, you will probably have from 30–40 lbs. We’ll share carrying some of the group gear, so plan to add a little to your total for the carry to base camp. (This may include a portion of a tent, a stove, some food, etc.) It’s very important to have proper equipment, so if you have any questions please call or email and we’re sure we can help.

Redwood Trails provides the main meals—breakfasts and dinners—so remember to bring plenty of your favorite snacks for the hike to base camp, climb lunch and rest breaks the following days. We recommend bringing snack foods that have a good variety of carbs, fats, salts, and sweets. Energy drinks and various power bars, crackers, pretzels, bagels, cookies, and trail mix are all very good. We also recommend some foods like cheese, jerky, dried fruit, nuts, etc. There is a wide variety of snack food available to meet your needs, so be creative and bring plenty of nutrients. An electrolyte replacement powder is a very good idea as well.

We will meet you at the Fifth Season Outdoor Store (300 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd.) at 9:00 am on the morning of the climb or trip, check on equipment and any last minute needs and details, and proceed to the mountain. If you need rental equipment all of the items on the equipment list can be rented.

Provided is a comprehensive clothing and equipment list for your Mt Shasta trip. For your safety and comfort, please follow these guidelines diligently. Every item on the list is required. Weather extremes may range from 0° F to 70° F. Versatility is the key to dressing properly, and layering allows you to do this efficiently. Bring only that which is necessary to avoid overburdening yourself with extra weight.

Guide Tips: Our guides bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our trips. Below is a list of suggestions that they have compiled to help you pack efficiently.
  • In the spirit of alpine style climbing, we recommend that you think light and simple when packing, and avoid doubling up on similar layers.
  • Always test your layers before a trip. Outer layers should fit easily over inside layers without binding.
  • No Cotton. Cotton drains body heat when wet and is unsuitable for climbing; wear synthetic layers like capilene by Patagonia or wool or polypropylene.
  • Minimize the risk of blisters by wearing a thin, synthetic liner sock under your regular hiking socks. NO COTTON! Test your sock combination before the trip.
  • Bring an easily compressible down or synthetic sleeping bag. If you are a cold sleeper, consider a bag with a 0–10° F rating.
  • Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different colors and sizes to differentiate the contents.
  • Where appropriate we will make specific gear recommendations. Our guides are seasoned professionals and use this equipment ruthlessly; we know what works on Shasta.
–Mountaineering boots*: Double plastic recommended.–Crampons* Suggest: Black Diamond Saber tooth Crampons–Ice axe* Suggest: Black Diamond Raven–Climbing Helmet*–Large backpack*: 4,000 cubic inch minimum–Sleeping bag*: Synthetic or down, rated to 20° F minimum–Sleeping pad*: Closed cell foam or Thermarest–Light climbing harness–1 locking carabiner–2 pair Hiking Socks: Wool or Synthetic.–Underwear: briefs & bras must be synthetic–Base Layer Bottom: Patagonia Capilene or other synthetic–Base Layer top: Capilene or other synthetic–Light or medium weight sweater: Fleece or wool–Water-resistant shell pants: Full-leg zips are best, non insulated–Water resistant shell parka: gore-tex type, non insulated–Insulated thermal jacket: down or synthetic—Required–Gaiters*: Mid-calf minimum–Fleece or Wool hat: warm & covers ears–Brimmed sun hat: cap or other–shorts: late spring and summer–Lightweight liner gloves.–Gloves: waterproof ski or mountaineering style, combination shell & insulation layer work best.–Water bottles: 2–3Nalgene (other types tend to freeze and break)–Eating utensils: cup, bowl, spoon only–Headlamp with fresh batteries, spare bulb and extra batteries–Sunglasses: glacier type with side protection–Sunscreen and lip protection: 25 SPF minimum–Personal kit: Small quantity of toilet paper and towelettes, toothbrush, blister kit, Matches/lighter, pocket knife–Light accessory cord: 10–20 ft (for broken shoelaces, etc.)–1 large garbage sack–Snacks: Food for climb days. Variety of small portions of fats, sweets, carbs, and proteins.

Optional Items: –Camera & Film: Optional, but well worth bringing.–Trekking/ski poles*: Highly recommended for approach hike.–Camp shoes or booties: Mid-June on: Teva type sandals or light sneakers. Booties for winter use

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