Several south side trailheads are accessed via the Everitt Memorial Highway, which begins in Mt Shasta City (3500') and ends at the Old Ski Bowl parking lot (7700'). The trailhead for Sargents Ridge is at the end of the Highway at the Old Ski Bowl (7800'). This is a popular starting area when the road is clear of snow. However, during the winter and early spring months, the road is only plowed until the Bunny Flat trailhead (6880'), requiring an additional 3 mile hike to get to the Old Ski Bowl.

For a graphic representation of the southside trailheads, go to the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center page.

Route Description

Sargents Ridge was named after John Sargent, a ranger who enjoyed climbing Shasta during the 1940s. It is a fun, airy, and challenging route that is one ridge east from Green Butte Ridge. Starting from the Old Ski Bowl Parking area/Panther Meadow, hike up the east side of the Old Ski Bowl up a rounded ridge that leads to Sargents Ridge. Gain the ridge. There are a few traverses, which can be negotiated on the left (west) side. After approximately 3 miles, you'll come across Shastarama point (11,135'), a large block of basalt and ash. Here, the ridge flattens out for about 1/4 mile, and this is a good spot to dig a snowcamp.

From Shastarama Point, work your way along the ridge. About a mile from Shastarama Point, Sargents Ridge intersects with Green Butte Ridge. Avalanche Gulch will now be below you to the west. There are some steep and challenging traverses along the east side of the ridge, and some fun mixed climbing if you stay on the ridge. After another 3/4 of a mile, you'll pass Thumb Rock on your right (east). From here, you will intersect with the Avalanche Gulch route, climbing above Red Banks, up Misery Hill, and then the summit Blocks... From Shastarama Point (11,135') to the Summit (14,162') is less than 2 miles.

The descent: Retrace your steps back to camp. From Shastarama Point, you can 1) retrace your steps back down the ridge, 2) descend down into the gully between Green Butte and Sargents Ridge, or 3) even cross Green Butte Ridge and drop down into Avalanche Gulch to get back to Bunny Flat if that is where you started. Plenty of options, but keep the avalanche conditions in mind during avalanche season.

Essential Gear

Ice Axe & Crampons, Avy gear (beacon, shovel, probe) when necessary. Shasta *can be* extremely windy. A formidable, well-guyed out 4-season tent is highly recommended when conditions warrant. We found snowshoes helpful for the late morning/afternoon spring mush at the lower elevations. For current conditions, check the Mt Shasta Avalanche Center website. Also, check out the Mt Shasta Snowcam.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.

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