Rock Climbing

On the Mountain

For the serious climber, you can try your rock and ice climbing skills (usually above 10,000 feet) anywhere on the Mountain, especially Sargents Ridge, Wintun Glacier, and the Hotlum headwalls; bring your helmet! There are also plenty of places elsewhere to do some free climbing. If you need rentals, visit the rental shops in Mt. Shasta.

Several climbing routes offer rock climbing with Sargent's Ridge and the Hotlum Headwalls being a couple of the more popular areas. Good climbing areas are generally at least a half-day climb to get there. If you want some fun free climbing then try Red Butte on the way to Squaw Valley Meadows or areas around Wintun Glacier. The mountain is full of scenic area's to explore so check with the Ranger's station for more detailed information. (530) 926-4511.

Castle Crags State Park
(Elevation 2,100 feet)

Castle Crags is one of California's most scenic state parks with its soaring spires of ancient granite and 2 miles of the cool, quick-running upper Sacramento River. The park is located about 12 miles south of Mount Shasta on Interstate 5. There are 64 family campsites, each with a table, stove, and a food storage locker. Many of the campsites are large enough to accommodate camp trailers up to 21 feet or motor homes to 24 feet, although no hookups are available and there is no dump station. Combination buildings with restrooms, hot showers, and washtubs are nearby.

This area offers some of the best backpacking around with 7 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail running through the park. Castle Dome, part of the crags, is a rounded granite spire that rises to an elevation of 4,966 feet and resembles Half Dome in Yosemite Valley. After you have summited Mt. Shasta you may want to drive to the park and do some rock climbing. You have the option of doing some free climbing or attempting to climb 1,000 feet up the vertical Cosmic Wall. There is a guide book available called the Castle Crags Classic Climbs by Laird Davis. Park Information can give you more specifics for rock climbing areas. (530) 235-2684.

Cantera Loop

Check with your local climbing guides or stores. This place is great for beginners and only minutes from town.

Mt. Shasta Board & Ski Park

The Mt. Shasta Ski Park's Recreational Climbing Tower offers the thrill of real rock climbing in a safe, supervised environment. The Tower soars over two stories high, with a wide variety of climbing routes and handholds. Their trained staff provides all the equipment you'll need for a safe and challenging outing, including ropes, shoes, chalk and harnesses. (530) 926-8600.