SWS Mountain Guides
Mt Shasta, Mt Whitney & Beyond
Guiding the world’s mountains since 1981
We’re one of California’s original guiding services for climbing, skiing, and avalanche education
Adventure, Education, & Experience you can trust
Featured Climbs & Courses
Mt Whitney Mountaineer’s Route
Mt Shasta Climb & Ski Descents
Mt Shasta Hotlum Bolam Ridge
Friday, Sept 25th – Monday, Sept 28th
Raft Supported Hiking On The Wild & Scenic Rogue River
4 Days / 3 Nights Camp/Lodge Combo
May through September
October, November & December
2026-2027
Mexico Volcanoes Expedition
SPRING & FALL Departures
2026 – 2027
California Mountain Guides Blog
Mexico Volcanoes Expedition Guide: Why This Trip Means So Much
Why I Wrote This:I wrote this to give an honest look into our Mexico Volcanoes Expeditions for those who may not know about them yet, and to help people more fully understand why they mean so much to us as a company. For me personally, this trip is deeply personal on...
A Gear List for Climbing Mount Shasta in May and June (2026 Edition)
Looking at what to pack in a functional way. Suggested packing list for a Shasta 2 or 3 day climb on Avalanche Gulch, West Face, or Casaval Ridge
Foundational Mountaineering Skills – Using an Ice Axe and Crampons
Quite often I hear descriptions of climbing Mt. Shasta as being a “non-technical” mountaineering objective. This could not be further from the truth. Depending upon the time of year, every route on Mt Shasta can have snow, ice, and steep terrain which demand technical...
SWS Mountain Guides Adventures are more then just reaching the Summit
We believe that every mountain adventure should be about more than reaching the summit. Since 1981, our focus has been on creating trips that help guests grow—not just as climbers, but as individuals. Whether you’re joining us for a guided climb of Mt Shasta, Mt Whitney, one of the many Eastern Sierra Nevada peaks, or heading out on one of our international expeditions like Everest Base Camp or the Mexican Volcanoes, our goal is to make sure the experience means something deeper.
As a long-established Shasta guide service, we offer more than just summits. We offer California based guided rock climbing, ski tours and descents, avalanche education, glacier training, backpacking trips, and international expeditions. We have designed every trip we offer to support personal growth, skill development, and to give back to the local communities and environments we work in. We believe a mountain trip should benefit more than just those climbing — it should have a positive impact on the surrounding area and the people connected to it. With our experienced guide team from California Rock Guides, California Ski Guides, and one of the original California Mountain Guides, we’re here to help you find not just the summit, but the story behind it. Whether it’s Bear Valley rock climbing, Mt Shasta’s Hotlum Bolam Ridge, or trekking in Nepal, we’ll help you take the next step. Find your next adventure with us — We believe the journey matters as much as the climb.
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