Solo Climbing Mt. Shasta's West Face Gully

For my first major climb of my Cascade mountaineering trip I chose Mt. Shasta. Instead of the standard route, Avalanche Gulch, I chose the slightly more challenging West Face Gully to avoid the crowds.

[@user1756]

Looks like a nice adevnture!

[@jonnyboy3048]

Hey man. I’m planning to climb Shasta myself either in May or in June. I’ve done some 9ers, 10ers, and one 12er and 13er. Would Shasta be a start for mountaineering?

[@chandlersadventures212]

I can’t really say without knowing more about your experience. I can’t recommend going solo, especially if you have minimal crampon/ice axe experience. However if someone in your party is experienced, or you’re going with a guide Avalanche Gulch is an ideal place to learn. I can’t recommend West Face Gully for a beginner since it’s more remote and committing. Happy climbing!

[@jonnyboy3048]

@@chandlersadventures212 thank you!

[@Zane5804]

@@jonnyboy3048start with the avalanche gulch route

[@willriess-dy1le]

wish i was there 👹

[@ascentiality]

Thanks for sharing your adventure! I'm assuming you went the same route back to your camp in hidden valley. Did you walk or glissade down those steep sections? How were they on the decent? Seems a bit more challenging than Avalanche gulch, but then again I haven't done either. Also what month did you go in? Looked fairly dry up there in some spots.

[@chandlersadventures212]

Thanks for reaching out! Yes I took the same route down, glissading most of the way. It is a bit more challenging, and much more remote. However it’s a very reasonable objective if you’re comfortable with the altitude and moderate snow climbing. I was up there in June, but it’ll be a bit different every year.