Around the World with Wes and Masami - Around the World Travelogue by Wes and Masami Heiser with Journal Photographs Expenses Lodging Guide Schedule Preparation Route

USA

Mt. Shasta, California

2000.05.19 - 05.20

Climbing Mt. Shasta (14,162 ft / 4,316 M)

Mt. Shasta is one of the prettiest climbs in California. Located in Northern California off of Rt. 5, Mt. Shasta is a lone 14,000 plus foot peak surrounded by 7,000 foot hills. The climb is rigorous, and the view from the top is spectacular. Wes climbed Shasta with four friends from Intel. Masami intended to go, but had to cancel due to illness.

Facts for the visitor
A wilderness permit and proper equipment are required to climb Mt. Shasta. Everything can be acquired in the town of Mt. Shasta during the day.

California Parks and Recreation Ranger Station: check the weather forecast and open/closed bowls and ridges, determine the route of ascent, understand the park regulations, get a wilderness permit, and pay the permit fee (US$15 as of May 2000).
Fifth Season sporting goods store: rent or buy all needed equipment. Phone: +1-530-926-3606. Year round, required equipment includes:

crampon compatible boots and crampons

ice axe

gators

thick durable snow pants (like ski racing bibs; thin pants tear on the ice)

silk or polyester long underwear leggings

fleece pull over

4-season jacket with hood

gloves or mittens

hat

sun glasses that fully cover the eyes

sun block (higher the SPF the better)

lip balm with SPF

3-season or 4-season tent

warm sleeping bag (5 degree or warmer recommended)

stove, fuel, matches (to cook food and melt snow for water)

pot that holds about 1 liter

water filter (to filter melted snow)

head lamp

3 liters of water per person per day

The critical considerations on the mountain are keeping warm (preventing hypothermia), shielding yourself from sun exposure including the light reflected from the snow (UV radiation is 30% stronger every additional 1000 feet of elevation), and sufficient water supply (preventing dehydration). Other concerns are altitude sickness (pulmonary edema and cerebral edema), knowing how to use ice gear safely, and first aid for injuries. Do not wear cotton clothing. Cotton absorbs sweat that freezes to your skin when the sun sets. This is the primary cause of hypothermia.

The climb
Most people need 2 full days to reach the peak and return to the parking lot safely. Some hike the mountain in one day departing the parking lot before 06:00 and returning at dusk. Mt. Shasta is a strenuous hike, and 2 days are recommended, even to the most fit and experienced hikers.

May 19-20 was perfect weather: cloudless sky and little wind. We met at the Intel parking lot in Folsom on Friday May 19 at 08:30, drove to the town of Mt. Shasta (about 4 hours), stopped by the ranger station and Fifth Season, and reached the Mt. Shasta trail head at 15:00. By 19:00, we reached 10,500 feet and chose a camp site. The second day, we left camp at 07:00, reached the peak at 13:00, returned to camp to pack up at 16:00, and finally reached the parking lot at 19:00. All 5 members of our hiking team made it to the top.

	The Team (left to right) Dan, Marc, Wes, Hernan, Stewart.
	Mt. Shasta is a lone peak in the central California valley surrounded by smaller 7000 foot hills.
	Our camp at 10,500 feet sits on an open ridge. Heavy winds would have blown us over the edge without a protective wall of snow.
	The steep icy ledges required concentration and crampons to prevent a painfully long slide down. Dan, Hernan, and Marc move along the trail cautiously.
	At 11,000 feet, we see the sun rise over the 12,300 foot Shastine, the active volcano that sits next to the Mt. Shasta peak.
	At the 14,162 foot Mt. Shasta summit, skies are perfectly clear and the 360° view is spectacular. All 5 members of our team made it to the top.

Home | Previous Page | Next Journal Page | Journal Index 2000 | Journal Index 2001