Mt Shasta Casaval Ridge
3 days / 2 nights
Price per person
$1,695
SWS Mountain Guides is your premier choice for exploring the world’s mountains since 1981. Join us on an exhilarating three-day guided climb of Mt Shasta Casaval Ridge, a stunningly beautiful Casaval ridge that forms the western boundary to Avalanche Gulch. Considered one of the most extended and aesthetic lines on the mountain, this climb of Casaval Ridge is only accessible during the winter to late spring when the rocky ridge is covered in plenty of snow. Prepare yourself for steep terrain, spectacular views, and an unforgettable experience.
Our knowledgeable guides will ensure your safety and make this climb an excellent training ground for future adventures on Mt. McKinley, Mexico Volcanoes, South America, or our Nepal Expeditions. Book your spot now and embark on this thrilling mountain journey!
Departure: Mt Shasta, California
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Skill Level: Previous mountaineering experience is needed.
Group Size: 6
Guide to Guest ratio: 1:3
Know Before You Climb
Mt Shasta Casaval Ridge 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Pack Check and Approach to Camp
The trip begins at 8 a.m. at the SWS Mountain Guides office in Mount Shasta. The group completes a pack check together, and guides issue any remaining shared gear needed for the climb. Water can be topped off before heading to the Bunny Flat Trailhead.
From Bunny Flat, the hike follows the standard approach toward the Sierra Hut cabin before traversing out toward the West Face. The traverse continues for a short time until reaching a bench feature at the bottom of Giddy Giddy Gulch. From this point, the route turns upward to gain elevation toward camp along Casaval Ridge. By mid-afternoon, we reach camp at approximately 10,000 feet, perched at the base of the ridge with views of Avalanche Gulch, and Mt. Lassen. Tents are set up and gear organized, and guides may run a brief snow skills refresher covering ice axe use, self-arrest, and movement on snow. After dinner, the evening is spent reviewing the plan for summit day and resting for an early start.
Day 2 – Summit Attempt
We rise early and start our ascent before dawn after having a quick breakfast and completing final preparations. From camp, we gain Casaval Ridge and follow the ridgeline toward the summit. It’s a steeper, more technical, snow-covered climb with exposed rocky pillars towering above us. At the top of the ridgeline, we eventually join the upper portion of West Face and Avalanche Gulch near the base of Misery Hill.
Once at the top of Misery Hill, we cross the summit plateau, and climb the summit pinnacle. After a brief time on the summit, the descent follows the same route back to camp. Summit day is long and demanding, typically 10 to 12 hours, with dinner and rest at camp to recover. This is one of the most picturesque ascents of the mountain providing views of Avalanche Gulch, Shastina, West Face, the Eddies, and the Trinity Alps stretching into the distance.
Day 3 – Return to the Trailhead
The final morning begins at a more relaxed pace. After breakfast, we break down camp and began the descent along Giddy Giddy Gulch. The route winds down the gulch until heading back towards the cabin area known as Horse Camp. From there, we pick up the approach path toward Bunny Flat. Arriving at the trailhead by midday and driving back down our office in Mt. Shasta and saying our goodbyes.
Shasta - FAQ
- Q: What areas does SWS Mountain Guides operate in?
A: SWS operated throughout California in both the Sierra Nevada and Mt Shasta Region since 1981 under the same management, plus Oregon & Nevada, and international destinations around the world for over 30 plus years, guiding in mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, ski & snowboarding guiding, and avalanche education. - Q: How do I know if I’m ready for a guided climb?
A: We offer courses, climbs, and clinics for all skill levels. Your readiness depends on your fitness, experience, goals, and comfort in the outdoors. We aim to provide courses and trips designed to build your skills. See physical requirements list above. - Q: What is a good weather resource for Mount Shasta?
A: The National Weather Service, Windy.com, and local avalanche center weather stations are all reliable. Make sure to check updated conditions before your trip, as mountain weather can change rapidly on Mt. Shasta. - Q: How much water should I bring for a climb?
A: We recommend having a capacity of carrying 2–3 liters per person for a most trips, but this varies with conditions, exertion, and route. For most routes on Mt. Shasta, we can make the approach into camp with carrying approximately 2 liters of water but the summit day will require carrying 2-3 liters. We can advise exact needs for each trip during the first morning we meet for a pack check. - Q: What should I pack for a guided trip?
A: We provide your helmet, harness, ice axe (if needed), and a tent plus stove and pots for melting & boiling water. This typically means your essentials include appropriate clothing layers, a waterproof jacket & pants, gloves, hat, mountaineering boots, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, snacks, and any personal items you might want. We provide a detailed packing list for your trip in your reservation confirmation email, or you can find some recommended items in our Mountain Shop. - Q: Do I need prior climbing experience?
A: Not always. For some routes on Mt. Shasta, we do require prior experience, however, we have courses for beginners and trips designed for new climbers as well. For some of our other destinations or more technical objectives we do require more specific climbing experience to make sure it’s the right fit and appropriate for your skill level. If you have questions about this, please contact our office or inquire online. - Q: What is your group size?
A: We keep groups small to ensure personalized attention, and a better experience for our guests. Generally, we operate at a 1:2 or 1:3 guide-to-guest ratio. However, depending on the trip, we may go up to a 1:4 ratio (Clear Creek on Mt. Shasta, or non-summit bound glacier courses). - Q: Are your guides certified?
A: Yes. All our guides hold certifications in various fields or disciplines many have Outdoor Recreation Degrees both BA / BS and MA. Some hold certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) or equivalent international organizations. All our guides are highly experienced in their specialties. To read more about our guides and their various certifications and backgrounds, visit the ‘Our Guides’ page to learn more. - Q: How physically fit do I need to be?
A: Fitness requirements vary by trip, and the objective. Most climbs require moderate to high aerobic endurance, strength, and comfort at altitude. We recommend our partners at Uphill Athlete to help you prepare physically for a climb with us or anyone else. - Q: Can I rent gear from SWS Mountain Guides?
A: We offer rental options for select items like puffy jackets, trekking poles, snowshoes, mountaineering boots, crampons, and avalanche gear. Our rental items are only available to our guests, so a link to our online rental store is provided with your confirmation email after making a reservation with us. - Q: What is your cancellation or refund policy?
A: We have a cancellation policy; however, we don’t want to operate like an airline and be super rigid. We do our best to work with our guests if they need to cancel or change a reservation. Please keep in mind that our options become more limited once we’re within 30 days of the trip date, so we ALWAYS recommend trip insurance for our guests. Our full cancellation policy is provided with your reservation confirmation, or you can find it on our website HERE>> - Q: How do I train or prepare for a climb?
A: Focus on cardio, strength, and hiking with a pack. Specific courses in mountaineering, glacier travel, and snow skills can accelerate your readiness and confidence. For more personalized training suggestions and programs, we recommend contacting our partners at Uphill Athlete. - Q: Is mountaineering safe?
A: All outdoor activities have inherent risks, including weather, altitude, and terrain hazards. Our guides are trained to recognize, manage and reduce your exposure to these risks when possible. We take our guests’ trust in us seriously and do all that we can to minimize the hazards associated with any trip while still providing an exceptional experience. - Q: How do I know what trip is right for me?
A: We are happy to help match you with a trip based on your experience, fitness, and goals. Feel free to contact us by phone or email at any time if you need. We want to make sure you can make the best choice for your abilities, experience, and goals.