MOUNT SHASTA CITY, CALIFORNIA (dpa) – Mount Shasta, California’s highest volcano and the second highest in the United States, is visible on the horizon 150 kilometres away even while you are still travelling through the Central Valley.
With an altitude of 4,317 metres, it is 75 metres lower than Mount Rainier in Washington state, but more massive and more legendary. There are many tales of mysterious native inhabitants, settlements which have disappeared, huge fields of energy and landing strips for UFOs surrounding the inactive volcano in northern California.
Naturally, the powerful massif does not attract only disciples of mysticism. Since the first ascent in 1854, Mount Shasta has been enticing mountaineers from all over the world.
In California, it bears the nickname “Mount Everest of Silicon Valley”. Residents of the valley famed for its computer industry need only a five-hour drive to reach the mountain. About 12,000 climbers take the trip each year. Only half of them achieve the strenuous ascent to the summit.
“It is not a stroll,” warns Matt Hill, who has been patroling the volcano as a ranger for 11 years.
Anyone can secure a climbing permit for 15 dollars at the ranger station in Mount Shasta City. Up to 800 climbers have been counted on long summer weekends. There is no limit to access just as there is no clear path pointing the way to the summit. Hill warns of the hazards: falling rocks, crevasses, avalanches and climatic changes.
On average two people a year lose their lives in the attempt to conquer the mountain. The rescue teams also receive numerous emergency calls.
Hill complains that time and again tourists start out wearing sneakers. The professional climbers recommend mountain-boots, ice axes, crampons and storm-proof clothing. These necessary items, as well as insider tips for the best routes, the most dangerous crevasses and the best tent sites are obtainable at the Alpine shop, The Fifth Season, in Mount Shasta City.
The major run on the conical volcano is recorded between May and September. The most popular and simplest route on the southern side starts at Bunny Flat parking lot 2,103 metres up.
Most climbers pitch their tents for the short night at the Sierra Club shelter at Horse Camp at an altitude of 2,401 metres. The rangers recommend starting out between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., bearing in mind that the summit is still nearly 2,000 metres further up and depending on fitness requires a climb of up to 12 hours.
A 40-degree steep section leads from Red Banks to Misery Hill, a slope covered with snow and black volcanic rock. The thin air, usually strong wind and the disappointment that the actual summit is still 75 metres higher up make it clear why the name was picked.
The view from the summit is a reward for the strenuous climb. It extends to the north far into the neighbouring state of Oregon. No other massif blocks the 360-degree panorama. Unfortunately clouds often cover the peak and encourage a quick descent. And blizzards can develop within minutes even when the sun is shining brightly.
New Age disciples are often encountered on the lower-lying lava fields of Mount Shasta, especially during the solstice celebrations when esoterics perform their spiritual rites. Even the tough ranger Matt Hill believes in the volcano’s spiritual strength. “It gives me a lot of positive energy,” the 34-year-old professional climber says.
Possibly it was this mystical power that caused the American Robert Webb to climb the mountain six times within 24 hours in the summer of 1998. In establishing his world record, he climbed a total of 11,500 metres from the base camp. He was able to catch his breath only while descending on skis.
