California Mountain Guides Blog

Caleb covers some background on Search and Rescue in the United States and why the billing of those needing rescue is set up as a public service.

When preparing for a climb or ski on Mount Shasta (14,179 ft) or Mount Whitney (14,505 ft), or just hiking into the mountains, checking the standard weather app on your phone won't cut it. A sunny 75°F forecast for the town of Mount Shasta or Lone Pine often hides...

It’s 20°F on the upper slopes of Mount Shasta. The wind is howling across the ridge, biting through your outer layers, and you pull out your phone to double-check your line. The display stutters, dims, and serves up the universal symbol of backcountry panic: a black...

When I am guiding in the mountains, I think of eyewear as essential piece of safety equipment that is non-negotiable! Once we are above tree line, bright snow, wind, and intense UV exposure can quickly turn poor visibility into a serious...

Here we are, as I’m finishing on this article, it’s already the beginning of August. The days are long, and the temperatures are hot, I have found myself looking toward winter, hoping it might arrive a little earlier this year. I have even started working on my skis...

At SWS Mountain Guides, we’ve been guiding clients up glaciated peaks, high-altitude passes, and technical alpine ridges since 1981. If there is one lesson four decades of mountain experience teaches you, it’s that the alpine sun is a relentless force. Whether you’re...

Late summer is one of the best times to climb the Mountaineers Route on Mt. Whitney, but do not let the calendar fool you. The Mountaineers route is still a demanding alpine climb! The right footwear can make the difference between a confident ascent and a long,...

There has never been a time when the mountains have felt more accessible than they do today. Every day, our phones are filled with stunning images of climbers standing on remote summits, skiers carving untouched lines through powder, and mountaineers tackling...

Summer is peak season for building the aerobic baseline and leg strength required for big alpine objectives. Taking your training to the high-altitude trails of California’s Sierra Nevada or Southern Cascade Range of  Mt Lassen and Mt. Shasta is an excellent way to...

There are moments on every climb of Mount Shasta when you should stop looking at what is above you and start looking down. Not at your feet necessarily, but at the remarkable tapestry of life on the ground that somehow thrives on the flanks of California's...