Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Permits and Passes for Climbing Mt. Shasta

If you are planning to climb Mt. Shasta during the 2009 climbing season, you will need to know the following:

Currently there is NO quota system for Mt. Shasta and reservations are not required. You may arrive and climb on any date you wish. Please keep in mind that weekends during the climbing season are extremely busy. If possible, try to plan your trip for mid-week in order to help minimize human impact on the fragile mountain environment and to enhance your wilderness experience and the experience of other climbers. Dogs are not allowed in the wilderness area and group size is limited to ten persons in a party.

When you arrive at Mt. Shasta you will need to obtain a Summit Pass and a Wilderness Permit before you climb the mountain. There are several ways to do this.

You can stop in at the Ranger Station in Mt. Shasta or the Ranger Station in McCloud during business hours for assistance. Or you can self-issue your permits and passes at any of the trailheads that are open or at the permit station outside the main office of the Mt. Shasta Ranger station 24 hours a day. Instructions are provided at each permit station.

Each person entering the wilderness will need to fill out their own individual Wilderness Permit. Please leave the WHITE copy in the permit book and take the GREEN copy with you.

If you are climbing above 10,000 feet, you will also need a Summit Pass. Summit Passes cost $20 dollars per person and are valid for three days from the date of purchase. If you self-issue at the trailhead or outside the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station, you will need correct change or a personal check. Use the fee envelopes provided and keep the stub that says "Summit Pass" with you while climbing.

Annual Summit Passes are available from the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations during regular business hours and cost $30 per person. They provide for unlimited climbing opportunities during the season and are valid until December 31^st of the calendar year.

There are NO parking fees at any of the trailheads on Mt. Shasta. Please check in advance for access road conditions for North Gate, Brewer Creek, and Clear Creek trailheads. Toilets, human waste bags and receptacles, permits, and passes are available at all trailheads that are open.

There are NO reservations required for climbers camping on the mountain. There are numerous campsites at Lake Helen and Horse Camp. If you chose to camp at Horse Camp, the fee is $5 per tent per night, payable on site to the Sierra Club. The toilets at Horse Camp continue to be opened on a limited basis. Check with the Ranger Station in advance to find out if the spring at Horse Camp is flowing for drinking water. There are no facilities at Lake Helen or any of the other high camps. There is no surface water at Lake Helen until late summer. Plan to bring extra fuel for melting snow.

All climbers are required to pack out their human waste. Pack-out bags are available free of charge at the trailheads and Mt. Shasta Ranger Station. Deposit barrels for used bags are placed at each trailhead for your convenience. Make sure you pack out all your garbage and micro-trash such as wrappers, food particles, matches, and other commonly overlooked items. Please be responsible and Leave No Trace.

In order to have a safe and enjoyable climb, there are a few other things you need to be aware of. There are no trails to the summit of Mt. Shasta. All travel is via approach trails and climbing routes. You will need at least an ice axe, crampons, and a climbing helmet for all routes. Glacier routes require advanced skills and extra gear. Snowshoes or skis may be required early in the season. Know how to use your tools and how to self-arrest. If you plan on glissading make sure the snow is soft enough and be sure to remove your crampons first! Climb early and descend early to avoid rock fall. Solo climbing is not recommended. Travel in a group and stay together. Expect daytime temperatures below freezing on the summit. Be prepared with proper outdoor clothing and carry the ten essentials! Know what the weather forecast is before you climb. Weather conditions can change rapidly at any time of the year. Do not climb into deteriorating weather. Avoid upper slopes and ridges during any sort of storm activity. Don’t fall prey to summit fever. Plan a reasonable turnaround time and stick to it. Watch for signs of hypothermia and altitude sickness and descend if necessary!

For the latest updates on climbing conditions for various routes, visit our website at www.shastaavalanche.org, or call (530)926-9613 for a 24-hour recording.

US Forest Service - Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Last Modified: Saturday, 20 December 2008 at 12:45:42 EST