Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Climb
Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Climb
This is a 2-day Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch climbing trip that will focus on a quick summit of Mount Shasta – a magnificent stratovolcano at the southern end of the Cascade Range – via the famous Avalanche Gulch route.
The first day on Mount Shasta will involve climbing up to a high camp around 9,500 ft elevation where you will make camp for the night, go over basic snow climbing techniques, and plan for the next morning’s summit. An alpine start on day 2 will get you to the top of Mount Shasta by late morning and back to the trailhead by early evening. This is an aggressive itinerary and proper training is essential to success! If you’re interested in a longer itinerary, try our 3 Day West Face Climbing Trip.
Avalanche Gulch is our first choice for this itinerary. However, depending on conditions, our guides will occasionally select a different route to accomplish the same goals. If you are interested in modifying this trip with a ski descent, check out our ski options!
WHO CAN CLIMB MOUNT SHASTA‘S AVALANCHE GULCH:
This quick summit itinerary is perfect for climbers with excellent physical fitness and a tight schedule. Because this is a fast paced summit of Mount Shasta, we recommend that participants have prior mountaineering experience, but it is not required. There will be time set aside to introduce basic snow and ice climbing skills. Previous overnight backpacking experience is required.
WHAT’S INCLUDED ON OUR MOUNT SHASTA CLIMB VIA AVALANCHE GULCH:
– Food on Mount Shasta
– Group Gear: Tents, Camp Kitchen, etc. (Does not include bowl, fork, spoon, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad)
– Ropes and other Technical Equipment (Does not include mountaineering boots)
– Wilderness Permits
– Guide Fees
- Day 1
- Ascend to Camp
8:00am: Meet and Greet in Town
9:30am: Depart for Bunny Flat trailhead (6,880 ft)
11:00am-12:00pm: Lunch break at historic Horse Camp (7,880 ft)
3:00pm: Arrive at Camp (9,500 ft) and set up camp
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Climbing training
5:30pm:-7:30pm Dinner, Climb briefing, pack
8:00pm: BedTotal Elevation Gain Bunny Flat to Camp): ~2,700ft
Total Mileage Bunny Flat to Camp): 3.2 miles - Day 2
- Summit Attempt
Alpine start (1:00am-3:00am, conditions dependent)
Turnaround time (10:00am-12:00pm, conditions dependent)
3:00pm: Depart from Helen Lake for Trailhead
4:30pm-5:30pm: Arrive at TrailheadMount Shasta Summit Elevation: 14,180′
Total Elevation Gain From Camp to Summit: ~4680ft
Total Round Trip Mileage Camp to Mt Shasta Summit back to Camp: 6 miles
Our Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Guides
Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Questions
Mount Shasta Avalanche Gulch Equipment List
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