Mt. Shasta - West Face Route

Summiting Mt. Shasta, one of the most magnificent mountains in the country, is an indescribable feeling of achievement. This 4-day climb of the West Face route is similar in difficulty though longer than the uber popular Avalanche Gulch route, though it's considerably less crowded. However, it still requires individuals to be in excellent physical condition for the 7,000’ of total gain necessary to reach the 14,179’ summit.

The itinerary is designed to help everyone acclimate and allow for an extra day to summit if the weather does not cooperate. After stopping in Shasta City for lunch, wag bags, and permits, we head to the Bunny Flat trailhead then ascend to a camp at Horse Camp. The following day we work up to a high camp in Hidden Valley @ 9,200'. Then, an early alpine start (3am w / headlamps) the following day to achieve the summit (4,900' ascent) and return to high camp for a second night with a descent the next day to the parking lot.

Though not a technical route per se, this advanced trip requires participants have basic mountaineering skills requiring the use of ice axe and crampons, knowledge of self-arrest, self-belay, etc. as the route involves climbing steep snow. Make no mistake, though the West Face route is one of the easier approaches to the summit, climbing Shasta is a very serious undertaking with multiple objective dangers that must be negotiated on the ascent. Climbers are strongly advised to use a helmet.

Participants will climb in groups of 3-4 with an experienced leader. Also, if snow conditions are good, the West Face is a phenomenal expert ski descent.

EVERYONE ATTENDING THIS EVENT WILL BE VETTED FOR SKILLS AND / OR EXPERIENCE PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE IF YOU HAVE NOT CLIMBED WITH RTA BEFORE, SORRY BUT NO EXCEPTIONS.

Unless an experienced mountaineer, it is recommended that individuals also sign up for the Mt. Lassen trip scheduled for April 24th-26th where skills can be reviewed and practiced before the summit climb of Lassen. Additionally, there are basic mountaineering classes in the Reno-Tahoe area offered by a variety of entities.

For those missing an item or two of gear, a complete line of winter gear (4-season tents, bags, ice axes, etc.) is available from Nevada Adventure Rentals in Reno www.nevadaadventurerentals.com.

Because this event is limited to a total of 12 participants an early commitment is necessary to facilitate planning. Please wait-list if full. If enough people are wait-listed a possible parallel trip will be considered.

This trip will be subject to rescheduling depending on snow-pack conditions, avy conditions, weather forecast and road conditions. If necessary, the event will be rescheduled.

THERE IS A $30 FEE TO ATTEND ($25 / Permit & $5 Caretaker Fee)
(refunded if the event is canceled or rescheduled)

PAYMENTS ACCEPTED via:
Pay-Pal: https://www.paypal.com/us/digital-wallet/send-receive-money
Please send funds through Pay-Pal to crestone15@hotmail.com
OR
Venmo via @Walt-Johnson-25

There are no fee's or costs to sign-up to send funds. Please include your name if using an avatar so we know who sent the funds!

Sorry, but No payee, No goeee !!!

Everyone will need to sign off on the RTA Liability Form at the departure meeting site or the trailhead.