3-Day Clear Creek
Summit Climb

Mt Shasta, California - 14,179 ft

Clear Creek Route

Climb Overview

Clear Creek is the broad open slopes on Mt. Shasta’s east side. Considered one of the least technical routes to the summit; its challenge lies in overcoming long sections of loose rock and scree. Most of the climb traverses on loose scree and talus. There are also snow fields encountered and will require ice axe and crampons for a portion of the climb. This is a good choice late in the season or dry years for a strenuous yet non-technical summit ascent.

The success rate of a three-day Mt. Shasta climb is much higher than on the quicker two-day trips. Mountaineering instruction includes appropriate skills necessary for the route. Clear Creek’s challenges are less technical and more physical. Long sections of loose rock, scree, and sand add to the difficulty. Less technical does not mean less difficult. Instruction will include:

  • Ice axe and crampon use

  • Efficient movement in the mountains

  • Pacing and climbing at altitude

  • Basic rope travel

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 Mt. Shasta and aim to provide a professional and positive experience for all climbers.

    • No mountaineering experience is required.

    • Previous hiking experience is required.

    • Previous backpacking experience is helpful.

    • 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.

    • July 12-14, 26-28 2024

    • August 9-11, 23-25 2024

      *Additional dates may be available as a private/custom arrangement

  • $1595 per person

    INCLUDES

    • Professional instruction and mountain guiding with a guide-to-client summit-day ratio of 1:3

    • Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.

    • All Group camping equipment such as tents and cooking equipment.

    • Mt. Shasta summit passes

    ** Boots are not included but rentals are available in the town of Mt. Shasta.

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!

Clear Creek 3-DAY SUMMIT ITINERARY

Day 1
9:00 am | Meet guides and group at the Shasta Mountain Guides shop 305 Chestnut St, Mt. Shasta, CA. Please be punctual to allow time for gear rentals, packing, and a group briefing with your guides. Please note: your guides will do a thorough gear check and pass out group gear before packing your backpacks. In addition, we recommend that you reserve your rental equipment in advance through the Fifth Season 530-926-3606.

10:00am-3:00pm | Drive to the Clear Creek trailhead (6500 ft.) We do not provide transportation. It is about an hour drive, with the last 8 miles on well graded dirt, suitable for passenger vehicles. We will have a group briefing and start the approach to base camp at timberline (8,500’) Depending on weather and trail conditions, the moderate/ low angle approach to base camp may take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours. Distance: ~3 miles, Vertical gain: 2,000’

3:00pm | At base camp your group will set up camp, snack on trail food and prepare for snow school training.

4:00pm-5:00pm | 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 fundamental climbing techniques, ice axe and crampon use and altitude issues.

5:00pm-6:00pm | After snow school you will return to camp for an early dinner and evening briefing.

Day 2
Alpine Start | Depending on our group size, weather and route conditions we will begin our climb between 2:00am and 3:00am. Distance: ~4.5 miles one way, vertical gain 5,500’

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. Depending on route conditions, the descent back to camp may take 4-5 hours.

Back at camp | We will rest and recover from the climb. Your guides will prepare a post climb meal and we will spend a leisurely evening at camp.

Day 3
We will wake and have breakfast, pack camp and descend to the trailhead. We will be back in town in the early afternoon.

* 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.