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The summit ascent to Mt. Shasta from the south face via Helen Lake.


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Map Key

1.8

Miles

3.0

KM

Ascent

14,102' 4,298 m

High

10,452' 3,186 m

Low

3,650' 1,113 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

38%

Avg Slope (21°)

57%

Max Slope (30°)
Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry
Wilderness permits are required and summit permits are required if you're ascending higher than 10k. Permits are not restricted and can be acquired at the Bunny Flats Trailhead. Summit permits are $25 and can be also be acquired at the trailhead.

Need to Know

This trail can get extremely crowded. Be prepared for a line of climbers on holiday weekends. Rangers are typically stationed at Helen Lake on popular weekends and can give valuable beta before taking off. Extreme winds are fairly common after Helen Lake.

Description

This is the most popular ascent to the summit of Mt Shasta. This is typically done on the second day after camping at Helen Lake. From camp, head up to the Red Banks and Misery Hill. The ascend to the Red Banks is deceptively far, and you can expect to boot pack most of the way there.

Contacts

Shared By:

Ian Bohannon

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#3

in Mount Shasta

#175

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
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Ascent Rankings

#3

in Mount Shasta

#13

in California

#175

Overall
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534 Since May 30, 2018
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Photos

At the top of Red Banks. Photo by C. Samuels
May 30, 2018 near Weed, CA
At Helen Lake looking up at the Red Banks
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA
4am shot of the approach to Red Banks. Photo by C. Samuels
May 30, 2018 near Mount S…, CA

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Weather


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Jun 23, 2020
James Beiting
May 24, 2020
Justin Barham
Only from Red Banks
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