2 day Alpine Style Summit Climb

Mt Shasta, California - 14,179 ft

Avalanche Glutch Route
Alternate Routes | Clear Creek

Climb Overview

An alpine schedule is a 36 hour push with an aggressive and challenging itinerary and should only be considered if you are in very good physical condition with previous mountaineering experience. Proper conditioning and preparation and understanding of the objective are crucial to summit success.

The first day’s hike to basecamp (approx. 9,500′) will prepare us for a very early alpine start on summit day. A midnight wake up, 8-9 hour ascent, 3-4 hour descent,  and return to the trailhead make for a big challenge!

On this climb, we aim to create personal connections with Mt. Shasta and the surrounding land, lasting connections to your new climbing community.

We have over 40 years of experience guiding on Mount Shasta and are the original guiding company for this special mountain. We know Shasta better than anyone and aim to provide a professional and positive experience for all climbers.

    • Previous mountaineering experience is required.

    • Previous ice axe/crampon climbing experience is required.

    • Previous time spent at elevations similar to Shasta is required.

    • This schedule is an aggressive and challenging itinerary and should be considered if you are in very good physical condition and training diligently for the challenge. Proper conditioning and preparation are crucial to summit success.

    Climbing Mt Shasta is strenuous. For the best chances of summiting please train ahead of time. Feel free to contact us for any training recommendations. Check out our training page to get started.

  • All dates are subject to route change in the event of adverse conditions.

    • May 3-4

    • May 17-18

    • May 31-June 1

  • $1395 per person

    INCLUDES

    • Guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:2

    • Group gear and logistics; tents, stoves, kitchen and delicious main meals

    • Mt. Shasta summit passes and permits

    ** Boots, crampons, and ice axes are available to rent locally

The difference is in our guides

The Shasta Mountain Guides® staff is a diverse, skilled, and fun group of individuals. Their common bond is a pure passion for being in the mountains and sharing that desire with friends, both old and new. We strongly believe in providing the highest level of service and quality of experience while climbing Mt. Shasta.

We are local professionals and are committed to your safety and enjoyment. SMG is the original guide service on Mt. Shasta and we are on the mountain daily. We specialize in Mount Shasta and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. When you climb with us, your trip is supported by our collective experience and knowledge of the mountain.

Our combined experience includes thousands of Shasta summits and many years spent on the mountain. Together we’ve explored all its’ routes during all conditions and seasons. Join us for a trip of your lifetime!

2-DAY Alpine Style SUMMIT ITINERARY

Day 1
8:00 am | Meet guides and group at the SMG Shop 305 Chestnut St. Mt. Shasta, CA. Please be punctual to allow time for gear rentals, packing, and a group briefing. We will conduct a thorough gear check and distribute group gear to each participant (5-8lbs.) We recommend that you reserve your rental equipment through the Fifth Season in advance. Phone:530-926-3606

10:00-10:30am | Drive to the Bunny Flat trailhead (6950’) for a group briefing and start the approach to base camp (location may vary). Distance: 2.5-3.5 miles, vertical gain: 1,500-2,500’

10:30-2:30pm | Depending on weather and trail conditions, the moderate/ low angle approach to base camp may take anywhere from 1.5 to 5.0 hours.

3:00-5:00pm | At base camp your group will snack, set up camp, and prepare for snow school. The purpose of snow school is to prepare you and the climbing team for a safe, efficient, and enjoyable climb. Topics covered include crampon and ice axe use, team rope travel, and team arrest.

5:00-6:00pm | Return to camp for an early dinner and evening briefing. Your guides will discuss climb day logistics and what to pack. Generally, we like to be resting in the tents by 7:00-8:00pm.

Day 2
Alpine Start | Depending on route conditions, weather, and group strengths, wake-up call will occur between 12:00am-1:00am. We start early for safety and best climbing conditions. Distance: 3 miles (1 way) Vertical gain approx 5,000’

Turn around time | For safety purposes, our turn around time on the mountain may be as early as 11:00 am-12:00 pm. We use these time frames to avoid hazards such as rock fall and afternoon storms and to allow plenty of time for the strenuous descent and hike out to the trailhead. Depending on route conditions, the descent back to base camp is about 2.5-4.5 hours.

Back at base camp | you will have time for a quick break and pack up for the descent to Bunny Flat. The descent takes about 1-3 hours.

* Itinerary subject to change & the summit of Mount Shasta is subject to safe weather and snow conditions.

For lodging in the town of Mount Shasta before and after your trip we recommend our partners at Summit Lofts and LOGE Mt. Shasta. They offer a discount to our climbers and guests.