Mount Shasta (14,179 ft / 4322 m), West Face
Tentative dates: June 11, 12, 13 (Thurs - Sat) or June 18, 19, 20.
Party size: 8
This climb includes an overnight backpack into a high alpine camp and unroped and often steep snow climbing with extensive crampon and ice axe use. The weekday schedule will assure good camp spots and fewer climbers on the route but, since Shasta is popular, solitude will not be an option throughout the climb. The climbing will not be technically difficult but will be long and require good crampon, ice ax, and self-arrest skills in order to have a safe and good experience. The West Face route provides a good introduction to a big mountain. There is a $25 climbing permit that can be obtained at the trailhead or Fifth Season equipment in the city of Mt Shasta.
Approach, climb, and descent: Our plan is meet at the Bunny Flat trailhead on Day 1. Hike/climb to our high camp in Hidden Valley. Day 2 we will summit and descend to camp for another night; we have the option of exiting to the trailhead. Otherwise, we will exit on the morning of Day 3.
Required equipment: an ice ax, crampons and helmet are required. Four season backpacking equipment for camping on snow—tent that can handle high wind, stove and fuel for melting snow for water, warm sleeping bag and pad, et cetera. Clothing and boots for cold and windy conditions.
This climb is not appropriate for recent basic climb school graduates.
Mt Shasta from the southwest
https://goo.gl/maps/GTiDFiUue9EEpPYx5 : Hidden Valley camp and west face of Shasta