Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conducts clinics and courses for serious climbers, or those looking to get serious. A two-
day summit climb of Mt Shasta costs $525.
Tours
Note that hiking Mt Shasta doesn't require an operator, but those wanting one have plenty
of options; ask at the visitor center.
Shasta Vortex Adventures
OUTDOORS, MEDITATION
(
www.shastavortex.com
; 400 Chestnut St)
For a uniquely Mt Shasta outdoor experience, Shasta Vortex offers low-impact trips accen-
ted with the spiritual quest as much as the physical journey. The focus of the trips includes
guided meditation and an exploration of the mountain's metaphysical power. Full-day
tours for two people cost $474; larger groups get a slight discount.
Sleeping
Shasta really has it all - from free rustic camping to plush boutique B&Bs. If you are in-
tent on staying at the upper end of the spectrum, you should make reservations well in ad-
vance, especially on weekends and holidays and during ski season.
Camping in the area is excellent and the visitors center has details on over two dozen
campgrounds around Mt Shasta. Check with the Mt Shasta and McCloud ranger stations
about USFS campgrounds in the area. As long as you set up camp at least 200ft from the
water and get a free campfire permit from a ranger station, you can camp near many
mountain lakes. Castle Lake (6450ft) and Gumboot Lake (6000ft) have free tent camping
(purify your own drinking water), but are closed in winter. Lovely Toad Lake (7060ft), 18
miles from Mt Shasta City, isn't a designated camping area, but you may camp there if you
follow regulations. To get there go down the 11-mile gravel road (4WD advised) and walk
the last quarter-mile.
Many modest motels stretch along S Mt Shasta Blvd. All have hot tubs and wi-fi, and
rooms cost between $60 and $140 in peak season. As many of them were built in the '50s,
the cost difference is basically based on how recently they were remodeled. Many motels
offer discount ski packages in winter and lower midweek rates year-round.
