Climbing Mt. Shasta?

Climbing Mount Shasta

The climbing rangers from the Mount Shasta wilderness area want to remind everyone that Mount Shasta is a world-class climbing challenge. Take steps to minimize accidents and injuries by knowing your route, current climbing conditions, and the latest weather forecast. Have the proper gear, including an ice axe, crampons, and a climbing helmet. More importantly, have the appropriate expertise to use this equipment. An essential skill for climbing Mount Shasta is the ability to immediately self-arrest a fall using your ice axe. Practice with your gear in a less challenging environment or take a class from a qualified instructor.

Climbers need to recognize they are entering a designated wilderness area. There are no roads or trails. Help is likely hours away if you experience trouble. Climbing parties must be personally responsible and have a plan for self-rescue in case of emergency. Avoid over-reliance on cell phones, GPS devices, SPOT locators, and jeopardizing the safety of rescuers.

Please practice appropriate minimum impact skills, such as packing out your human waste, all food scraps, micro-trash such as wrappers and other commonly overlooked items. Always Leave No Trace. Human Waste Pack-out bags are provided free of charge to all climbers. Wilderness Permits and Summit Passes are required for climbing above 10,000 feet.

For further information contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station or visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest homepage. Because the conditions on the mountain change daily, check the latest climbing advisory at www.shastaavalanche.org or call the Climbing Hotline at 530-926-9613.

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