Interesting route and time of year to climb. I've only climbed it June/July when they have a healthy snow pack so I can board down. You guys are animals! Glad you made it up without a bonk.
Hello Bama Hiker, Thank you for this great post. This is one of the best I have seen on the Clear Creek route and I really like the way you put it together and taking the time to show the Ranger Station. My wife and I are also planning a Shasta climb for next year, not sure yet if we are going to use Avalanche Gulch early season or Clear Creek late season. We just finished Mount Whitney the week after your Whitney trip. Looking forward to your Part 3 on that one. Well, once again thank you for the post. It is always great to have clear information and to enjoy trips and tips from like minded hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. Thank you! Danny and Kim
Hey Danny! Thanks for the feedback. Avalanche Gulch route late May or early June on snow is so much easier than on the loose, dusty scree of Clear Creek. The glissading saved us a couple of hours on the descent. After doing both routes and I would opt for Avalanche Gulch first again. Good luck! PS. I'm still working on Part 3.
Great video! This is the one I'm showing to some people that I'm going with to climb this route this summer. The part that you were talking about where you were climbing sketchy boulders....was that because when you got to mushroom rock, you went right instead of left? I have heard you are supposed to go left there.
Thanks Bryan. My trip to Ecuador was delay due to Delta flight cancellations in April, but I'm planning for a June trip. Hopefully I'll come back with more videos on climbing Cayambe and Chimborazo this year. Then have 3 more peaks in AZ, NV and CA for later this year. Come back later for more vids. Cheers.
Thanks Will. I would suggest doing it earlier in the season when there is more snow. That would make for a fast ascent and then descent by glissade. Good luck
We are carrying tents, sleeping bags, stove and fuel, crampons and clothing up to a high camp at 9,600 feet. This was a 2 day climb, not a one day hike.
EPS: Thanks for watching. We drove to the trailhead in a 4x4 truck at the time, but didn't use the 4 wheel drive. But the access road was badly rutted and you needed high ground clearance in many places. That was a couple years ago and I would recommend you call the Ranger Station office in Mt. Shasta (city) for a current update on the service road conditions. Good luck!
Were you worriwd about rock fall when its dryer? Quick question, up avalanche gulch route at tge red banks, do you go right around thwm or straight up a gate? Which is faster? Which way did you go on that route?
Brandon: Rock fall is a year round danger all the time on the mountain and a helmet provides protection from falling objects and if YOU take a fall! Yes, typically going up the AG route climbers trek to the right lower side of the Red Banks and the saddle area between it and Thumb Rock. As far as which route to use to climb Shasta? No easy answer as "it depends" on time of year, weather, snow conditions, etc. My best advice is to contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station and ask to speak with one of the climbing Rangers for current route conditions and what they would recommended. FYI... I'm an old climber and still around climbing. Rainier and Gannet Peak for me later this year. Cheers and thanks for watching my channel.
Awesome video and hike. Is the Clear Creek route completely non-technical? Did you guys have to use ropes, crampons, or ice ax at any point of the hike?
Simi: Thanks for subscribing to my channel. There was still snow when we climbed in August and we carried and use crampons at various times towards the top. Also wore our helmets due to thawing and rock falls. Did not carry ice axes, but used trek poles with snow baskets when on the snow/ice fields. Yes, the route is for the most part non-technical, but you can always contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station to ask for the recent climbing conditions and any updates. Cheers
I did this climb in August 2015. You have better pictures than me. I found the scramble up up from the spring the hardest part of the climb. Is there an easier way to get to mushroom rock? There was almost no snow on the way up.
Lawrence, my climb was 6 years ago and most of the snow/ice is gone off the mountain by July now. Sorry, I am not familiar with your mushroom rock and the best advice I can offer is to contact the climbing rangers at Shasta Ranger Station. Thanks for sharing.
@@BamaHiker The pile of shale is called Mushroom Rock. The only warm spot up there was the fumarole. It took 12 hours to do it one day. Next time I will take 2 days. The body is too old (66) for a solo hike.
@@lawrencepon6672 Sorry for the long delay in responding, I don't always get a notification from RUclips about comments. Thanks for the update. I don't know of any easier way up from the Springs. Bravo to you at your age for getting out there and taking on challenges. I'll turn 66 this summer and it isn't getting any easier! Keep Klimbin!
Hi, great video.. Thanks for sharing this. I am planning to go Mt. Shasta in June second or third weekend. I have done above 5000 mtr trekking in Himalaya. So, can you please let me know what all equipment are needed for this time.
Shaswata: Please visit the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station website for information on climbing at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/home/?cid=stelprdb5339074 . The Rangers can advise you on your needs. Thanks.
Nice Video! All of the scree makes it look that would be kind of rough. Was there any chutes with snow you could climb with axe/crampons? I know it's late in the year but it is tall mountain and Mount Adams being quite a bit shorter had loads of snow above 9,000 feet on July 22nd this last year.. I am wanting to do Shasta this year but I don't think my wife can get the time off from May to July so Avalanche Gulch is probably unsafe.
AB: Thanks for the comment. The scree was indeed both rough and dirty -- coating or covering everything in fine volcanic ash/dust. I don't know if I would want to climb the Clear Route again unless I could climb most of it on snow. Yes, we carried and wore crampons at various points on the ascent and descent, mostly at the top. After July Avalanche Gulch becomes risky and you should consult with the climbing rangers at the Ranger Station in Shasta. I'm going to attempt a 3rd summit this coming June up the Aval. Gulch route again. Cheers.
You probably dont need to filter that water. better safe than sorry though. Rainier silt destroyed my water and I just drank straight from the snow melt. best tasting water ive ever had.
Mitchell: Thanks for the note. I play it safe and filter my water. Unfortunately too many people are climbing and use the mountains as toilets. Many don't following the "leave no trace" rules for the solid waste and I have found many dead animals upstream after filling a water bottle. I just looked at the "Shasta Snowcam" this afternoon and was shocked by how little snow is left on the mountain and it is only April. Avalanche Gulch is getting barren. This also means more human waste is being exposed and washed down the mountain. The good old days of drinking straight off the mountain ain't so good anymore! Cheers!
ELS: Thanks for watching my video. My recommendation is crampons. Micro spikes are not designed or sturdy enough for hiking/climbing on angled snow and ice fields. At the upper altitudes in late summer it is more ice and we needed the crampons for the trek across the icy summit plateau and then the final icy zig-zag up to the top. Better safe than a medevac. I hope this answers your question. Any others? BH
@@BamaHiker Yeah I reached it around 14-1430. Only one patch of “snow” I had to cross was on the plateau by that large metal pipe. Less than a football field across.
@@xxuncexx Congrats Xsuncexx on reaching the summit! Thanks for the update. I will be posting my February Climb for the Aviation Museum videos from Ecuador in the near future. Got 2 done and 3 to go. They will be released as a "Playlist" this time. Cheers.
Thomas: Thanks for the comment. Cell reception is a bit weak and we only had limited text messaging. Could not send photos/video. I don't think it can be done in 9 hours unless you are a very high altitude marathon run. If you are not high camping, but trying to do in one day -- probably 12 to 18 hours.
No, not at all if you are prepped. We carried headlamps with spare batteries and this climb was also planned in conjunction with a near full moon. Most mountaineers who climb on snow and ice typical do an "Alpine start" -- meaning they begin their ascent in the early morning hours before sunrise when snow and ice has refrozen and provides a hard solid surface to walk on. The intent is to reach the summit and descent before the rising sun has a chance to get too high on the horizon, heating up and melting snow and ice. Frozen snow is easier to walk on than soft mushy wet snow, and In many locations the melting causes ice and rocks to fall - which makes for dangerous climbing conditions. Also, when hiking at night on Shasta you can spot the Lemurian when your light reflects back from their eyes. Cheers.
Mitchell: not at or below 8500 feet, you may get limited service above this altitude depending on your carrier. I only had spotty text capability between 10k to 12,000 feet.
@@Foxyfreedom Roger, be sure to give a call to the Shasta Ranger Station in Shasta to get an update on conditions. The road up to the trailhead is not great even during dry conditions. Good luck and let me know if you have success. Cheers
@@BamaHiker I called them no one answer they’re useless. Trail is closed I’m going anyway and hiking the road up with snowshoes to the meadow camp around 8000
@@keithbandy8959 Nah... You're still young. I'm only 63 yrs and plan to return to Ecuador next year to climb the big one -- Chimborazo! You ain't old yet!
Interesting route and time of year to climb. I've only climbed it June/July when they have a healthy snow pack so I can board down. You guys are animals! Glad you made it up without a bonk.
Thanks TheJdride for the feedback.
Great job on the video. Very responsible mountaineers. And great attitudes. Thank you.
Thanks Tom for the feedback. I hope you enjoy the other videos. Cheers.
Hello Bama Hiker, Thank you for this great post. This is one of the best I have seen on the Clear Creek route and I really like the way you put it together and taking the time to show the Ranger Station. My wife and I are also planning a Shasta climb for next year, not sure yet if we are going to use Avalanche Gulch early season or Clear Creek late season. We just finished Mount Whitney the week after your Whitney trip. Looking forward to your Part 3 on that one. Well, once again thank you for the post. It is always great to have clear information and to enjoy trips and tips from like minded hikers, climbers, and mountaineers. Thank you! Danny and Kim
Hey Danny! Thanks for the feedback. Avalanche Gulch route late May or early June on snow is so much easier than on the loose, dusty scree of Clear Creek. The glissading saved us a couple of hours on the descent. After doing both routes and I would opt for Avalanche Gulch first again. Good luck! PS. I'm still working on Part 3.
Thanks Danny!
Great video! This is the one I'm showing to some people that I'm going with to climb this route this summer. The part that you were talking about where you were climbing sketchy boulders....was that because when you got to mushroom rock, you went right instead of left? I have heard you are supposed to go left there.
Scott text me your phone number and i will call you to discuss.
Thank you very much for your video. That's a beautiful place.
woooohooooo......i'm pooped, i can't breath. had me dying hahaha. Great video you guys are awesome!
Thanks Bryan. My trip to Ecuador was delay due to Delta flight cancellations in April, but I'm planning for a June trip. Hopefully I'll come back with more videos on climbing Cayambe and Chimborazo this year. Then have 3 more peaks in AZ, NV and CA for later this year. Come back later for more vids. Cheers.
Thanks, very informative. Definitely want to do this next summer.
Thanks Will. I would suggest doing it earlier in the season when there is more snow. That would make for a fast ascent and then descent by glissade. Good luck
Just curious, besides the water, why are your packs so heavy?
We are carrying tents, sleeping bags, stove and fuel, crampons and clothing up to a high camp at 9,600 feet. This was a 2 day climb, not a one day hike.
Perfect weather
Rory: Indeed! We were lucky with the weather. Cheers
Question: what was the drive like to the trail head? Do you need a truck, or can a 4 wheel drive SUV make it up?
EPS: Thanks for watching. We drove to the trailhead in a 4x4 truck at the time, but didn't use the 4 wheel drive. But the access road was badly rutted and you needed high ground clearance in many places. That was a couple years ago and I would recommend you call the Ranger Station office in Mt. Shasta (city) for a current update on the service road conditions. Good luck!
Were you worriwd about rock fall when its dryer? Quick question, up avalanche gulch route at tge red banks, do you go right around thwm or straight up a gate? Which is faster? Which way did you go on that route?
Brandon: Rock fall is a year round danger all the time on the mountain and a helmet provides protection from falling objects and if YOU take a fall! Yes, typically going up the AG route climbers trek to the right lower side of the Red Banks and the saddle area between it and Thumb Rock. As far as which route to use to climb Shasta? No easy answer as "it depends" on time of year, weather, snow conditions, etc. My best advice is to contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station and ask to speak with one of the climbing Rangers for current route conditions and what they would recommended. FYI... I'm an old climber and still around climbing. Rainier and Gannet Peak for me later this year. Cheers and thanks for watching my channel.
Awesome video and hike. Is the Clear Creek route completely non-technical? Did you guys have to use ropes, crampons, or ice ax at any point of the hike?
Simi: Thanks for subscribing to my channel. There was still snow when we climbed in August and we carried and use crampons at various times towards the top. Also wore our helmets due to thawing and rock falls. Did not carry ice axes, but used trek poles with snow baskets when on the snow/ice fields. Yes, the route is for the most part non-technical, but you can always contact the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station to ask for the recent climbing conditions and any updates. Cheers
I did this climb in August 2015. You have better pictures than me. I found the scramble up up from the spring the hardest part of the climb. Is there an easier way to get to mushroom rock? There was almost no snow on the way up.
Lawrence, my climb was 6 years ago and most of the snow/ice is gone off the mountain by July now. Sorry, I am not familiar with your mushroom rock and the best advice I can offer is to contact the climbing rangers at Shasta Ranger Station. Thanks for sharing.
@@BamaHiker The pile of shale is called Mushroom Rock. The only warm spot up there was the fumarole. It took 12 hours to do it one day. Next time I will take 2 days. The body is too old (66) for a solo hike.
@@lawrencepon6672 Sorry for the long delay in responding, I don't always get a notification from RUclips about comments. Thanks for the update. I don't know of any easier way up from the Springs. Bravo to you at your age for getting out there and taking on challenges. I'll turn 66 this summer and it isn't getting any easier! Keep Klimbin!
Hi, great video.. Thanks for sharing this. I am planning to go Mt. Shasta in June second or third weekend. I have done above 5000 mtr trekking in Himalaya. So, can you please let me know what all equipment are needed for this time.
Shaswata: Please visit the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station website for information on climbing at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/home/?cid=stelprdb5339074 . The Rangers can advise you on your needs. Thanks.
Nice goin guys! Great footage! Beautiful moon! Awesome trails! Thanks for sharing!!! : )
Thanks Jody for the feedback. I have more climb videos coming this year after trips in June and August. Cheers!
Sweet! Safe travels & stay safe! Cant wait to see! :)
Nice Video! All of the scree makes it look that would be kind of rough. Was there any chutes with snow you could climb with axe/crampons? I know it's late in the year but it is tall mountain and Mount Adams being quite a bit shorter had loads of snow above 9,000 feet on July 22nd this last year.. I am wanting to do Shasta this year but I don't think my wife can get the time off from May to July so Avalanche Gulch is probably unsafe.
AB: Thanks for the comment. The scree was indeed both rough and dirty -- coating or covering everything in fine volcanic ash/dust. I don't know if I would want to climb the Clear Route again unless I could climb most of it on snow. Yes, we carried and wore crampons at various points on the ascent and descent, mostly at the top. After July Avalanche Gulch becomes risky and you should consult with the climbing rangers at the Ranger Station in Shasta. I'm going to attempt a 3rd summit this coming June up the Aval. Gulch route again. Cheers.
You probably dont need to filter that water. better safe than sorry though. Rainier silt destroyed my water and I just drank straight from the snow melt. best tasting water ive ever had.
Mitchell: Thanks for the note. I play it safe and filter my water. Unfortunately too many people are climbing and use the mountains as toilets. Many don't following the "leave no trace" rules for the solid waste and I have found many dead animals upstream after filling a water bottle. I just looked at the "Shasta Snowcam" this afternoon and was shocked by how little snow is left on the mountain and it is only April. Avalanche Gulch is getting barren. This also means more human waste is being exposed and washed down the mountain. The good old days of drinking straight off the mountain ain't so good anymore! Cheers!
@@BamaHiker yea. Was going to climb avalanche gulch but now I will go this route
@@Foxyfreedom Good luck with your climb. Let me know how it goes for you. Be safe!
Do you think that micro spikes would have been ok for the ice fields for a August hike?
ELS: Thanks for watching my video. My recommendation is crampons. Micro spikes are not designed or sturdy enough for hiking/climbing on angled snow and ice fields. At the upper altitudes in late summer it is more ice and we needed the crampons for the trek across the icy summit plateau and then the final icy zig-zag up to the top. Better safe than a medevac. I hope this answers your question. Any others? BH
Great thx, I really enjoyed your video and the detail that you give. Really helps someone like myself taking this route for the 1st time.
@@bluebeamman Best of luck with your climb. Please be sure to let me know afterwards how you and your crew did on the mountain.
Will do! Plan on getting some great footage
Nice
I’m not really in shape and I just did this Labor Day. Awful 20.75 hours of hiking. I started at 1am and got back 9:45pm
Xxuncexx: Did you reach the summit? And what were the snow conditions on the summit plateau below the summit mound like? Thanks
@@BamaHiker Yeah I reached it around 14-1430. Only one patch of “snow” I had to cross was on the plateau by that large metal pipe. Less than a football field across.
@@xxuncexx Congrats Xsuncexx on reaching the summit! Thanks for the update. I will be posting my February Climb for the Aviation Museum videos from Ecuador in the near future. Got 2 done and 3 to go. They will be released as a "Playlist" this time. Cheers.
@@BamaHiker awesome thanks Bama hiker. Looking forward to your next adventure!
Good presentation.
Is there cell reception?
Can it be done in 9 hours?
Thomas: Thanks for the comment. Cell reception is a bit weak and we only had limited text messaging. Could not send photos/video. I don't think it can be done in 9 hours unless you are a very high altitude marathon run. If you are not high camping, but trying to do in one day -- probably 12 to 18 hours.
any encounter with Lemurian???
None that I can discuss in a public forum. Shhhhh!
LOLOL okey okey okey......
hiking in the dark? isn't that dangerous?
No, not at all if you are prepped. We carried headlamps with spare batteries and this climb was also planned in conjunction with a near full moon. Most mountaineers who climb on snow and ice typical do an "Alpine start" -- meaning they begin their ascent in the early morning hours before sunrise when snow and ice has refrozen and provides a hard solid surface to walk on. The intent is to reach the summit and descent before the rising sun has a chance to get too high on the horizon, heating up and melting snow and ice. Frozen snow is easier to walk on than soft mushy wet snow, and In many locations the melting causes ice and rocks to fall - which makes for dangerous climbing conditions. Also, when hiking at night on Shasta you can spot the Lemurian when your light reflects back from their eyes. Cheers.
jaja good one Lemurians! Nice Vid!! My wife and I will attempt to climb by the same route. You got lucky with a good clear weather.
Thanks Gabriel. Good Luck on your climb. Call the Ranger Station for the latest update on the conditions along the route to the summit. Cheers.
Bama Hiker Thank you for the tip!! We will do that.
The Rangers can advise you any needed gear or problems to avoid on the trail and route to the top. Good luck and be safe!
Is there any cell service on this route?
Mitchell: not at or below 8500 feet, you may get limited service above this altitude depending on your carrier. I only had spotty text capability between 10k to 12,000 feet.
@@BamaHiker thank you! I’m going up on Saturday
@@BamaHiker downloaded the map cause trail is snow covered. My navigational skills will be tested. Road to trailhead is snowed in 2.9 miles out
@@Foxyfreedom Roger, be sure to give a call to the Shasta Ranger Station in Shasta to get an update on conditions. The road up to the trailhead is not great even during dry conditions. Good luck and let me know if you have success. Cheers
@@BamaHiker I called them no one answer they’re useless. Trail is closed I’m going anyway and hiking the road up with snowshoes to the meadow camp around 8000
old are you guy
Keith: I did not understand your comment. What are you asking or saying?
hey 67 year old ,to old go the mountain
@@keithbandy8959 Nah... You're still young. I'm only 63 yrs and plan to return to Ecuador next year to climb the big one -- Chimborazo! You ain't old yet!
You have " hat hair " lol
Thank you for that observation. Cheers