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From Travel Information and Popular Attractions: TravelName.com

Mount Shasta is located in Northern California, 274 miles North of San Francisco. Permanently snow-capped and appearing perfectly conical from a distance, Mt. Shasta is a dormant volcano with a 17 mile diameter base and is 14,162 feet above sea. Geologically speaking, Mt. Shasta is a stratovolcano, with four cones buried atop one another. It is a beacon for north California, drawing many visitors to its extensive slopes.

Climbing Mount Shasta

ALWAYS check the weather before you ski or climb. Most people climb this beautiful mountain in Summer time April to October. Although there are over 15 established routed with variety variations and level of difficulty. The most popular route being John Muir Route / Avalanche Gulch, which involves 6,300 ft of climb over over snowfields and moraines. It usually takes one or two days to reach the summit. Inexperienced tourists/climbers usually stick on to the trails on base of the mountain or go with experienced climbers. California ranger's climbing advisory can be found by calling (530) 926-9613 / (530) 926-4511. Please call the ranger station to get advice about loose rocks, ice, snow or any other safety warnings. Every year few people are rescued as they get stranded on the mountain. There are several restaurants and lodges close to mount Shasta.

You are advised to get the Mt. Shasta Wilderness Recreation Map which contains information about climbing routes, trails, safety and other useful information. You can call Fifth Season Store at (530) 926-3606. Great sites for additional and most accurate information are climbingmtshasta.org and shastaavalanche.org for more information.

When you arrive at Mt. Shasta you will need to obtain a Summit Pass and a Wilderness Permit before you climb the mountain. Mt. Shasta Ranger station is open 24 hours a day, summit Passes cost $20 dollars per person and are valid for three days. There are numerous campsites at Lake Helen and Horse Camp. You will need at least the following equipment to climb for all routes - an ice axe, crampons and a climbing helmet. Weather conditions can change rapidly at any time of the year.