“In the past, we never reached capacity, but we’re booked solid through the season now.” “Without a doubt, it’s kind of the golden age for the outdoor industry right now,” Carr said. Forest Service, and guides say interest has been rising since the pandemic. Gregory Thomas / The ChronicleĪn estimated 6,000 climbers attempt the summit each season, according to the U.S. The view south from Misery Hill on Shasta’s upper mountain. Unfortunately, California’s ongoing historic drought has shortened the season and raised concerns about the health of the mountain’s famous glaciers. As the snow retreats during warmer months, climbing conditions taper off. “This is the perfect peak for folks from the Bay Area looking for a real mountaineering experience,” said Chris Carr, owner and director of Shasta Mountain Guides, which has operated on the mountain for over 40 years.įor a spell in the early dot-com era, Shasta even earned the saucy designation, “the Everest of Silicon Valley.”īecause Shasta is basically a crumbling pile of rubble, snow cover is essential for facilitating a smooth and safe climbing experience. The mountain is in its full glory now: May and June represent the primary climbing season, and guide services on Shasta are more plentiful than ever. It’s a 5-hour drive from both San Francisco and Reno-Tahoe, and the most popular summit trailhead is 20 minutes from the interstate. The snow-covered volcano stands alone, unmistakable, the 14,179-foot pinnacle of Northern California.įor a peak of its size and grandeur, Shasta is remarkably easy to get to. Max Whittaker/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Lessĭriving north on Interstate 5, Mount Shasta appears dead-ahead in the distance - a giant frosted arrowhead thrust out of the earth. Max Whittaker/Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less 4 of4Ĭlouds swirl over Red Banks and Avalanche Gulch on Shasta. Gregory Thomas / The Chronicle Show More Show Less 3 of4Ī couple of day hikers stop at the Sierra Club’s Horse Camp cabin on Shasta’s lower flank. Mount Shasta’s summit pinnacle, visible through morning mist. Gregory Thomas/The Chronicle 2022 Show More Show Less 2 of4 Mount Shasta, seen here in May 2022, towers above its surroundings.
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