Mount Shasta – Casaval Ridge Route
There are a number of ways to ascend Mount Shasta. For the beginner, the best route is decidedly the (intimidatingly named) Avalanche Gulch route. I had climbed that route a couple of times in the 90s, and was inspired when my friend Josh suggested a new route: Casaval Ridge. Casaval ridge is fairly easy, but definitely more exposed than Avalanche Gulch. While crampons and an Ice axe are not absolutely required, it would be foolish not to travel with these two pieces of gear. We chose to divide this trip into two days, and descended via the easier method of glissading on Avalanche Gulche. This was much faster than descending by the way we had come.
GPX Track for this route Day 1
Mount Shasta casts a brilliant shadow over the Valley
The view of Shastina from Casaval Ridge
Early morning on Casaval Ridge
There are a few exposed, high angle sections on Casaval Ridge. It just requires some caution.
There are a few exposed, high angle sections on Casaval Ridge. It just requires some caution.
Tents resting at the bottom of Casaval Ridge
There is a false summit as you ascend the mountain from this direction. Don’t be fooled!
