While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

What is your local adventures cancellation policy?

Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy

Can I customize a day for my group?

Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.

Where can I purchase trip insurance?

We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

Mount Shasta West Face Climb

An early morning photo of Mount Shasta covered in snow with a blue sky above during an Alpenglow Expeditions guided trip on Mount Shasta.

Climb Mount Shasta: 3-Day West Face Climb

$1,595per person

Intermediate 3 Days Mount Shasta, CA

Climb Mount Shasta via the secluded West Face while learning important mountaineering skills from our California mountain guides. Spending 3 days on the peak is the ideal amount of time to learn basic mountaineering skills and also take a crack at the summit, while basing out of the quiet, beautiful Hidden Valley, California.

April 25-27, 2025

Inquire

Mount Shasta [West Face Climb] Overview

This 3-day Mount Shasta West Face climbing excursion is the perfect blend of a skills course and summit climb.

We’ve found that this amount of time offers the highest success rate for teams, while still covering all the skills required to efficiently climb Mount Shasta peak.

Mount Shasta West Face Climb Itinerary

On day one, you’ll ascend to Hidden Valley, where you will set up camp, go over basic snow climbing techniques, and brief for the next day. With an alpine start on day two, your route takes you up the West Face and on towards the summit of Mt Shasta. Summiting around midday, you’ll descend back to camp for a leisurely afternoon/evening enjoying the magnificent views from camp and a tasty dinner. Day 3, you’ll have a relaxed breakfast at camp, and then descend down to the trailhead.

Mount Shasta‘s West Face is our first choice for this itinerary. However, depending on conditions, our guides will occasionally select a different route to accomplish the same goals. Click here to see our Avalanche Gulch option.

MOUNTAINEERING SKILLS COVERED WHILE CLIMBING MOUNT SHASTA:

– Basic snow climbing, including the use of ice axe and crampons, as well as self-arrest
– Basic rope techniques

WHO CAN CLIMB MOUNT SHASTA‘S WEST FACE:

This trip is the ideal first introduction to big mountain climbing. No previous climbing experience is required. Previous hiking experience is required.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN OUR MOUNT SHASTA WEST FACE CLIMB:

– Food on the mountain
– 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
– California Guide Fees

Preparation to Climb Mount Shasta’s West Face

Technical Experience

No previous technical experience required to climb Mt Shasta.

Fitness

Excellent physical fitness is required. Climbers must be able to hike for many hours at a time while carrying a pack.

Day 1: Ascend to Hidden Valley
8:00am: Meet and Greet in Town, briefing
9:30am: Depart for Bunny Flat 6,880 ft
11:00am-12:00pm: Lunch break at Horse Camp 7,880′
3:00pm: Arrive Hidden Valley, 9,200′ and set up camp
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Climbing training
5:30pm-7:30pm: Dinner, Climb briefing, packing
8:00pm: Bed
Total Mileage Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley: ~3.5 miles
Total Elevation Gain Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley: ~2500′
Day 2: Summit Attempt via West Face
Alpine start (1:00am-3:00am, conditions dependent)
Turnaround time (11:00am-2:00pm, conditions dependent)
Total Mileage: ~8 miles
Mount Shasta Summit Elevation: 14,180′
Total Elevation Gain Hidden Valley to Mt Shasta Summit: ~5,000′
Back at Hidden Valley camp (9,200′) by mid-afternoon
Day 3: Descend to Trailhead
7:30am: Breakfast
9:00am: Depart Hidden Valley and hike to Trailhead
12:00pm-1:00pm: Arrive at Trailhead

Alpenglow’s California Guides

Meet Your Mount Shasta Guides.

Get to know the people who might climb Mount Shasta with you!

FAQ’s

Mount Shasta west face Questions

The answers to all of our most commonly asked questions about how to climb Mount Shasta’s West Face.

: While no outdoor adventure can be completely free of risk without losing the essence of the activity, hiring a professional guide is a fantastic way to manage and mitigate this risk. Activities like skiing and climbing have what we call “inherent risk”, which can be defined as a risk that cannot be completely mitigated by a professional. That is part of playing in the mountains. We encourage you to reach out to the office if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
: Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy
: Yes! A large portion of our business is designed around custom adventures. Booking a private day gives you the freedom to tailor the day around your goals, pace, and group size.
: We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance to protect your activity purchase against unforeseeable circumstances. We recommend Spot as a provider of trip insurance. Spot is a 3rd party provider and is not affiliated with Alpenglow Expeditions – please refer to the Spot website or contact Spot directly for all terms and conditions.

Equipment

Mount Shasta West Face Equipment List

Here’s everything you’ll need to climb and summit Mount Shasta. Ice axes, helmets, harnesses, crampons, and avalanche kits (beacon, probe, shovel) can be rented from the office free of charge. Your guide will determine whether or not you need to carry the avalanche kit on your climb. You can rent most of the other items on this list from the Fifth Season in the town of Shasta.

Download Equipment Link

Select a category

Hat
Bring your favorite baseball hat for shelter from the sun. No white under the brim – the reflection off of it from the sun is blinding.
Recommended: Alpenglow Hat
Beanie
A comfortable, warm well-fitting hat that covers your ears. Make sure that one of your hats fits under a helmet.
Recommended: Black Diamond Levels Beanie
Neck Gaiter (Buff)
A multi-purpose neck gator that can also be worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible and yet is still comfy.
Recommended: Alpenglow Buff
Balaclava
We recommend a tight-fitting balaclava that is worn under your hat. Make sure that it covers as much skin as possible, but is comfortable enough to wear for hours.
Recommended: Black Diamond Coefficient LT Balaclava
Sunglasses
Must have dark lenses. Minimal light should come in below, above, or around the sides of the lenses.“Wrap” style is best. Ventilation is important and a retainer strap is very useful (Chums or Croakies).
Recommended: Vuarnet Ice Rounds
Liner Gloves
These gloves keep the inside of your mitts or other gloves from accumulating sweat on the inside and turning inside out when you take them off, as well as provide additional insulation.
Recommended: Black Diamond Lightweight Screentap Liners
Lightweight Gloves
All-around gloves for mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and hiking. These gloves (and similar options) are warm, wind-resistant, durable and have a sure grip. You will rarely take these gloves off. They should be snug-fitting, and have some sort of reinforced palm.
Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Softshell Gloves
Midweight Gloves
These gloves should be full GORE-TEX®, and insulated. These will be the workhorse glove for any expedition.
Recommend: Black Diamond Tour Gloves
or Black Diamond Terminator Gloves
Warm Socks
A wool synthetic blend. Pure rag wool socks are not nearly as effective in wicking moisture or retaining their shape and reducing blisters. Bring a few pairs of these socks. NO COTTON.
Recommended: Darn Tough Mountaineering Sock
Mountaineering Boot (4,000m)
Should be warm single boots that have a stiff sole and accept a step-in crampon, or double boots if you have very cold feet. The boots should be comfortable, have adequate wiggle room for your toes, and your heel should not lift more than 1/8 of an inch when walking.
Recommended Early Season (April-June): La Sportiva Nepal Evo GTX
Recommended Late Season (July-August): La Sportiva Trango Tech GTX
Waterproof Gaiters
GORE-TEX® or Schoeller® calf- high gaiters, insulated supergaiters recommended. *Gaiters are not needed if your pants and/or boots have built-in gaiters.
Recommended: Outdoor Research Expedition Crocodile Gaiters (required if your boots do not have integrated gaiters)
Lightweight Top
Ultra-light base layer that effectively wicks moisture away from your body and is breathable. Quick-dry is important as well. One light-colored shirt is recommended for extremely sunny days.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Lightwire Short Sleeve
Sun Hoodie
Lightweight, long-sleeve sun hoody that is great for protecting from the sun.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Alpenglow Hoody
Lightweight Baselayer Top
A long sleeve base layer that is fitted, lightweight and quick drying. Make sure it is long enough to tuck in.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Solution 150 Merino Crew
Mid-Weight Warm Layer Top
This mid-layer will be worn over your base layer most of the trip.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Coefficient LT Quarter Zip Pullover
Mid-Weight Puffy Jacket
A simple, lightweight puffy jacket. This item is good for layering systems and staying warm. We recommend 800-fill down that is packable and resists inclement weather.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Approach Down Hoody
Soft Shell Jacket
More breathable than Gore-tex, these soft shell jackets block wind and light precipitation and are great as an outer layer and warm layer under your parka.
Men’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Women’s Recommended: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody
Hard Shell Jacket
A lightweight, waterproof and breathable jacket WITH A HOOD that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Make sure you have pit-zips and if you are using an old jacket, re-waterproof it.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Shell
Down Parka
A puffy jacket with a hood that will keep you warm during the coldest of conditions. The higher the quality down, the better (800-fill is best). However, be sure the jacket is still lightweight.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Vision Down Parka
Lightweight Baselayer Bottoms
Fitted and quick drying. This piece will be a base-layer that will get you through a wide range of temperatures. This can be 3/4 length bottoms if preferred.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Solution 150 Merino Baselayer
Soft-Shell Alpine Pant
You will spend most of your days in these pants. They should be breathable + water-resistant.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Alpine Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Alpine Pants
Hard Shell Climbing Pant
Your waterproof bottom layer for extreme weather days. Make sure you have water-resistant zippers, crampon patches + good pockets.
Recommended Men’s: Black Diamond Men’s Recon Stretch Pants
Recommended Women’s: Black Diamond Women’s Recon Stretch Pants
Helmet
An easily adjustable lightweight helmet that fits with hat and Balaclava. Make sure this is a climbing-specific helmet. *Climbing helmets are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
Mountaineering Harness
Must have belay loop, gear loops and adjustable leg loops so that you can layer up underneath it. Easy to pack, lightweight + comfortable. *Harnesses are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Couloir
Mountaineering Crampons
Steel crampons with anti-balling plates are required (so that snow does not build-up in the base of your foot). Make sure that crampons have a heel bail and that they fit snugly on your ski or snowboard boots. Crampons are available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow Expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
General Mountaineering Axe
One non-technical climbing axe. The tool should be approx. 55cm- 65cm long and comfortable to hold. *Ice axes are also available to rent (for our introductory climbing courses) at no charge from Alpenglow expeditions on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Recommended: Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe
Sleeping Bag (15º)
Rated to 15º F. Choose an 800+ Fill Premium Goose Down bag. Make certain that the sleeping bag is the right length. DON’T FORGET A COMPRESSION SACK FOR THE SLEEPING BAG. Granite Gear Compression Sack is desired.
Recommended: Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15
Foam Sleeping Pad
Foldable foam sleeping pad for sleeping and using as a sit-pad.
Recommended: Thermarest Z-Lite Sleeping pad
Trekking Poles
Make sure that they are durable, lightweight + easily adjustable. These are optional, but highly recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Pursuit FLZ Trekking Poles
Headlamps
Please bring two L.E.D. Headlamps. One will be intended as a lightweight backup. L.E.D. headlamps are required. Make sure they have 3+ bulbs. Bring extra batteries. We highly recommend a tilting lamp.
Recommended: Black Diamond Storm 450
Backup Headlamp Recommended: Black Diamond Deploy 325
Two 1L Nalgene Bottles
Two 1 Liter Wide Mouth Nalgene bottles.
Recommended: Nalgene 1 L wide mouth
Hydration System
Should carry 70-100 ounces. Must be durable and have a reliable closure system. Recommended: MSR Dromlite 2L with Hydration Tube
Climbing Pack: 50-60L
Internal frame pack that is between 50 and 60 liters. Either purchase a matching pack cover, or use garbage bags as liners. Make sure the pack is fitted to YOUR body.
Recommended: Black Diamond Speed 50L Pack
Locking Carabiner (2)
Small, lightweight locking carabiners are best.
Recommended: Black Diamond LiteForge Screwgate
Inflatable Sleeping Pad
72-inch long inflatable pad required. Make sure you also purchase and bring a repair kit + bag for the sleeping pad.
Recommended: NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad
Plastic Bowl, Mug, and Spoon
A lightweight and compact cookware setup. You’ll want a plastic bowl, mug and spoon.
Recommended Kit: MSR 2-Person Mess Kit
Avalanche Transceiver
A digital transceiver that is simple to use or that you are extremely comfortable using.
Recommended: Black Diamond Recon Avalanche X Beacon
Probe
A strong, lightweight avalanche probe, 260-300cm.
Recommended: Black Diamond QuickDraw Pro Probe 280
Shovel
A lightweight metal avalanche rescue shovel. Extendable handle is recommended.
Recommended: Black Diamond Evac 7

Mount Shasta Testimonials

I’d give them 7 stars if I could!
“Super happy with our Mt. Shasta 3-Day climb guided by Tim Mincey from Alpenglow. The Alpenglow team was very helpful and responsive in getting our trip planned and booked. Tim did a superb job not only coaching us on mountaineering basics and safety, but also making adjustments to our plan based on day-to-day weather. Everyone in our climbing party was thinking about what next adventure we can book with Alpenglow before we even got off the mountain. I’d give them 7 stars if I could!”
Tom M.

Stories

Mount Shasta Stories

Find out more about climbing Mount Shasta’s West Face

All Stories

Why Spend 3 Days to Climb or Ski Mt. Shasta?
When planning an adventure with Alpenglow Expeditions on Mt. Shasta, many participants wonder why our itineraries allocate three days for the expedition. The answer is simple yet fundamental to our philosophy: we aim to provide a comprehensive educational experience, not just a climb. Here’s a deeper look into our approach and what these three days entail.
Read the story
What’s In A Mt. Shasta Guide’s Pack?
As the Mt. Shasta season begins in earnest, we’re here to provide you with info from AMGA-Certified Ski Guide Isaac Laredo about what he brings in his pack for a 2-Day Avalanche Gulch climb on Mt. Shasta.
Read the story
Mt. Shasta Conditions Update – April 2024
Thinking about a Mt. Shasta summit climb this season? Alpenglow guide Tim Dobbins came back with reports of fantastic snow conditions on the mountain during a guided climb on Mt. Shasta. Here are Tim’s notes: The mountain is “absolutely plastered” with snow, with a snowpack far exceeding annual averages.
Read the story
A Brief History of Mt. Shasta
Mount Shasta, a pinnacle of beauty and grandeur in Northern California’s landscape, boasts a history as intriguing as its rugged slopes. From its volcanic birth to indigenous reverence to challenges faced by early climbers, the mountain’s story is one of geological wonder and human endeavor. Today, it’s a place revered by countless climbers, skiers, and those who simply admire the mountain’s natural beauty.
Read the story
Mount Shasta Spring Trips with Alpenglow Expeditions
It may not feel like spring yet in Northern California, but the season is slowly starting to shift away from winter. Alpenglow Expeditions has just recently opened its books for climbing, mountaineering, and skiing trips up Mount Shasta.
Read the story