Included: An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 3-day backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail near Mount Shasta (3 days of hiking) Professional instruction and guiding throughout the trip Accommodation for 2 nights in 1 and 2-person tents at lakeshore campsites Group cooking gear, group first aid kit, and a water filter Campsite and permit fees Transportation from the guides’ location in the town of Mt. Shasta to the trailhead and back Not included: Transportation to California Personal backpacking gear and clothing Meals Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above Insurance — recommended, available at checkout Guide gratuities — optional

How fit do I need to be?

In order to join this PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour, good fitness is required, though no previous backpacking experience is needed . The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 6 mi (9.7 km) over varied terrain, carrying your own pack weighing 35 to 40 lb (16-18 kg) . Elevation gain and loss on this stretch of the PCT is minimal, which is what makes it friendly to backpackers of all levels. What you should prepare for is the altitude: nearly all the hiking happens between 6,000 ft and 7,500 ft (1,830-2,290 m) , and the optional ascent of Mount Eddy tops out at 9,026 ft (2,751 m) . The fitter you arrive, the more you’ll enjoy every day of it, so some hiking with a loaded pack beforehand goes a long way. Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of hiking adventures in the USA !

What do I need to bring?

Tents, group cooking gear, the group first aid kit, and a water filter are provided, so your packing list covers personal gear and clothing. Backpacking gear: Backpacking pack big enough for three days of gear (roughly 50-65L) Sleeping bag rated for cool mountain nights Sleeping pad Water bottles or hydration bladder (2L total capacity) Headlamp with spare batteries Hiking poles (optional, helpful with a loaded pack) Bowl, mug, and spork Trail snacks you like Clothing & footwear: Broken-in hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes Hiking socks plus spares Hiking pants or shorts Base layer top, plus a warm mid-layer fleece or puffy for evenings Waterproof rain jacket Warm hat and light gloves Sunhat and sunglasses Camp clothes and something comfortable to sleep in Other: Toiletries, including sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and bug spray Personal medications and any blister care you rely on Trash bag for packing out your waste Camera (optional, but recommended) Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing: This PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour runs on set departure dates, and your guides scale the guiding team to the number of people booked. The maximum group size is set at 10 participants. PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements: If you are older than 18 , you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the backpacking trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour is in the town of Mt. Shasta, California . To get there, most people fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF) . From there, you rent a car to reach Mt. Shasta. You will meet your guides in the town of Mt. Shasta , and transportation from there to the trailhead and back at the end of the trip is included.

Safety measures and insurance

We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout. Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

2026 is sold out — book 2027, or find a last minute deal.

Mount Shasta | California

Backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail: 3 Days Near Mount Shasta

Name: Guided PCT Backpacking Tour Near Mount Shasta
Brand: 57hours
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

3 days | Moderate | 5.00

From $1,395 ()

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The Pacific Crest Trail has a pull to it. People walk it to clear their heads, and over three days in the Mount Shasta region of northern California, you get a real taste of that life without signing up for five months of it. Elevation gain stays gentle, so the hiking suits most fitness levels, and your guides know these forests and ridgelines intimately. We camp beside quiet alpine lakes, cook together, swap stories, and wake up to water so still it mirrors the peaks. On the last morning, there’s an optional push up Mount Eddy, the tallest of the Klamath Mountains.

Mikey

AIARE I-II; WFR; LNT; BA Outdoor Leadership, MA Expedition Leadership

Adventure Highlights

Three days on the PCT: Walk three days on one of the world’s most famous long-distance trails and get a real feel for life as a thru-hiker
Camps right on the lakeshore: Spend your afternoons relaxing, swimming, and exploring at remote camps right on the water
Learn as you go: Your guides share real backpacking know-how, from packing smart to picking the right campsite

Duration

3 days

Season

July through September

Group size

Up to 10 people

The adventure, day by day

Download itineraries

We meet in the town of Mt. Shasta, shuttle out to the trailhead, and spend three days moving at a backpacker's pace, covering 4 to 6 mi (6.4-9.7 km) a day with everything we need on our backs. Most of the hiking sits between 6,000 and 7,500 ft (1,830-2,290 m), with modest gain and loss along the way. Nights are spent in 1 and 2-person tents at lakeshore campsites, cooking with shared group gear. The final morning brings an optional climb of Mount Eddy at 9,026 ft (2,751 m) before we hike out and shuttle back to town.

Day 1: Meet in Mt. Shasta, shuttle to the trailhead, and hike to camp

Backpacker with green pack and trekking poles hiking a dry, rocky slope toward forested ridges in Mount Shasta

We gather at our shop in the town of Mt. Shasta. We’ll meet the group and your guides, and run through packs and gear before the shuttle drops us at the trailhead. From there, we step onto the Pacific Crest Trail and settle into a steady walking rhythm, carrying our own packs of 35 to 40 lb (16-18 kg). The grades here are gentle, so there’s plenty of time to talk through pacing, footcare, and the little tricks that make carrying a pack feel easier. Beuatiful views of Mt. Shasta and mature forests are the highlights. By afternoon we reach camp, pitch the tents, and get the stoves going while your guides share what life looks like for thru-hikers passing through this stretch of northern California.

Distance: 4 to 6 mi (6.4-9.7 km)
Accommodation: 1 and 2-person tents at our campsite

Day 2: A full day on the PCT to a lakeshore campsite

Hikers with backpacks walk across a rocky, open summit ridge above forested mountain valleys in Mount Shasta

Today is all about walking. We pack up and continue along the PCT, moving mostly between 6,000 and 7,500 ft (1,830-2,290 m) with little elevation gain or loss, which keeps the day friendly even with a full pack. Your guides use the miles to build on backpacking skills, from water filtering to campsite selection, and to point out what makes this corner of the Shasta-Trinity country so quiet. We finish at a lakeshore camp, where there’s time to swim, wander, or simply sit and watch the light change before dinner and an early night under the stars.

Distance: 4 to 6 mi (6.4-9.7 km)
Accommodation: 1 and 2-person tents at a lakeshore campsite

Day 3: Optional ascent of Mount Eddy, then hike out and return to town

Snow-capped volcano peak rising above haze, seen past a forested ridge and rocky gravel slope in Mount Shasta

For anyone keen, the trip finishes with an optional climb of Mount Eddy at 9,026 ft (2,751 m), the tallest of the Klamath Mountains. It’s a steady effort, and the view from the top takes in Mount Shasta standing alone across the valley. After soaking it in, we drop back to the trail and hike out to the trailhead, where our shuttle is waiting to bring us back to the town of Mt. Shasta. Expect sore shoulders, good stories, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from three days of carrying everything you need on your back.

Distance: 4 to 6 mi (6.4-9.7 km)
Summit: Mount Eddy, 9,026 ft (2,751 m), optional
Elevation: Mount Eddy summit: 9,026 ft (2,751 m)

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Photo gallery

Backpackers with large packs hike single file along a dirt trail through conifers toward distant forested ridges

Five backpackers with trekking poles pose on a dry, rocky ridge trail above forested mountain slopes in Mount Shasta

Two hikers with backpacks and trekking poles on a dry, open mountain trail above distant ridges in Mount Shasta

Two hikers resting on a fallen log among tall conifers, with a green backpack and trekking poles beside them in Mount Shasta

Lodging & food

Lakeshore camping

Hikers resting beside a large fallen log in a pine forest with backpacks, mountains behind in Mount Shasta

Each night we set up camp beside a mountain lake, with water lapping just steps from the tent doors and the smell of pine drifting through camp. Sleeping arrangements are 1 and 2-person tents, provided as part of the trip, so you only need to bring your own sleeping bag and pad. Your guides handle the group cooking gear and water filter, which means camp chores get done fast and there’s time to swim, wander the shoreline, or just sit and watch the light change on the ridges. Nights are quiet out here, far from roads and crowds, and the stars above the Klamath Mountains are worth staying up for. Campsite and permit fees are covered, and a group first aid kit comes along with us the whole way.

Adventure, packed to go

Backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail: 3 Days Near Mount Shasta

Adventure Brochure

Adventure brochure

Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.

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Meet your guides

Seasoned pros, local legends, and passionate adventurers—your trip is in the best hands.

5.00

Mikey

AIARE I-II; WFR; LNT; BA Outdoor Leadership, MA Expedition Leadership

Originally from the Bay Area, Mikey is currently based out of Ashland, OR, where he recently completed his masters degree at Southern Oregon University. Mikey is passionate about helping others achieve their goals.He is a certified personal trainer, with previous experience working in gyms and running his own coaching business. Mikey is an avid backcountry skier and ski mountaineer, and has travelled overseas for adventures. Highlights include leading trekking and mountaineering groups in Croatia, and a 37 day trip in Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where he helped organize expeditions to summit Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) and Mt Karisimbi (4,507m).

5.00

Jenn

EMT, WFR, AIARE -III, LNT

Jenn, a California native, began climbing in the early 90’s in the Sierra Nevada and Yosemite Valley with her brother. Her love of the mountains led her to start guiding on Mt. Shasta in 1998, she has summited over 50 times. In 2003 she and Chris became owners of an outdoor travel company, and is involved in the daily operations of the company. “I am drawn to the Mountains by the joy, exhilaration and serenity I experience in wild terrain. Sharing that experience with others is why I started guiding.”

5.00

Katie

Avalanche: AIARE I-II, National Avalanche School, AAI Pro 1; OEC, EMT; AMGA Alpine Skills; LNT

Katie is a native Vermonter, but moved out west to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. Growing up around the ski industry Katie has always had a strong passion for the mountains. After college she settled in Lake Tahoe, CA where she ski patrolled for 10 years at Kirkwood Resort. This past season Katie moved to Colorado to learn about a new mountain range and a continental snowpack, getting a job as an advanced ski patroller at Crested Butte. Wanting to combine her passion for the outdoors and climbing mountains with her love of working with and teaching people she decided to try out mountain guiding to compliment her winter patrolling work. Katie is incredibly passionate about the outdoors in her personal life, but is equally motivated to teach others and help share that joy and passion for the mountains with people eager to tap into the climbing world.

5.00

Tailer

AIARE I-II; WFR; AMGA Alpine Skills Course, AMGA SPI Certification

Tailer guides our mountaineering trips, glacier seminars, and our backpacking program. Tailer is also an avid snowboarder, surfer, long-distance backpacker, and rock climber, and can when not in the mountains be found at beaches from CA to Costa Rica. Tailer’s always positive attitude, and infectious enthusiasm, help make any trip with her a fun one.

5.00

Jonathan

AIARE I-III; EMT, OEC

JC is originally from the Bay Area and spends his years guiding on Mt. Shasta and Mt. Rainier, patrolling at Squaw Valley, heli guiding in AK and traveling to developing countries searching for waves with nobody but his friends around. The first time J.C. summitted was in 2011 and was treated with a snowboard descent all the way to the car. The visits became more frequent and he started guiding in 2014. When the waves get big enough, he works on the water safety team at the Mavericks Surf contest.

5.00

Ethan

AIARE I; WFR; LNT; BA Experiential Education & Expeditionary Learning

Ethan is from Carmel Valley, CA, and has been rock and alpine climbing for over 7 years all around the Western U.S and Canada. Ethan is a talented recreation and the natural environment teacher. He leads outdoor educational trips for underserved youth and college outing clubs, as well as projects to help maintain and build backcountry trails. An avid surfer, you will often find Ethan surfing the remote point breaks of the Central CA coast. He works with the Stevenson School in Monterey, teaching surfing and ocean natural history. Ethan is also an adjunct instructor at Prescott College, Arizona, and each year leads their expeditionary 21 day orientation for new students. “I choose to guide on Mount Shasta because it gets people outside and learning how to enjoy themselves, be safe, and create a sense of place in the mountains.”

5.00

Jenna

AIARE I, OEC

Born and raised in Mt. Shasta City, Jenna has been scrambling on the flanks of Mt. Shasta as long as she can remember. After a few years of international travel, exploring the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, and completing her B.S. in Philosophy from Portland State University, she returned to the mountain town to live her dream lifestyle. Jenna spends her winters as a ski patroller at Mt. Shasta Ski Park, is an avid backcountry skier and snowboarder, and coaches the Mt Shasta High School Ski and Snowboard team. When not on the mountain, you’ll likely find her mountain biking, or building world class mountain bike trails in the greater region. Jenna holds AIARE Level 1 and Wilderness First Responder.

5.00

Chris

AIARE Level III, AIARE Instructor, AMGA Alpine and Ski Guide Courses

Chris has lived and climbed in the Mt. Shasta area since 1995. As a climber and guide he is inspired by the beauty and scale of Mt. Shasta. “The greatest joy of my role at here is the remarkable people I get to meet, both our climbers and our guides, I am surrounded by amazing people doing amazing things.” With hundreds of summits and countless ski descents, no one has more experience on Mt. Shasta. In 2003 he and Jenn became owners of an outdoor travel company. Going strong for over 30 seasons and over 180 summits on the mountain, Chris is still immeasurably stoked for the next powder day and sharing it with his family. Chris’ role is in the general operations and administrative duties of the compant and you’ll often find him on the mountain checking on conditions.

What others say about this adventure

5.00 (2 reviews)

Gina E.

Fantastic experience!! Ashley, our guide was outstanding!! She is so knowledgeable and encouraging. She brought a great vibe to the experience. The vegetarian food options provided were great. I really appreciated the thoughtful planning and excellent food preparation. It was my first backpacking trip, but with what I learned from Ashley and what a great experience it was, I know I’ll be doing more backpacking.

Ashley D.

We had a truly fantastic experience with these guides from start to finish. Excellent pre-trip communication, thoughtful itinerary and top notch guides. We couldn’t; have asked for better than Lael, Cooper and Sean, and working with Chris was also a delight. They will make sure you are prepared, they will talk you through every step, and they will help you make the decisions that will be the best for you and your group. Thank you for making this trip to a special place even more spectacular.

Show all reviews

Things to know

Included:
- - An experienced, local backpacking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 3-day backpacking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail near Mount Shasta (3 days of hiking)
  - Professional instruction and guiding throughout the trip
  - Accommodation for 2 nights in 1 and 2-person tents at lakeshore campsites
  - Group cooking gear, group first aid kit, and a water filter
  - Campsite and permit fees
  - Transportation from the guides’ location in the town of Mt. Shasta to the trailhead and back
Not included:
- - Transportation to California
  - Personal backpacking gear and clothing
  - Meals
  - Anything not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section above
  - Insurance — recommended, available at checkout
  - Guide gratuities — optional
In order to join this PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour, good fitness is required, though no previous backpacking experience is needed. The most you’ll hike within a day is up to 6 mi (9.7 km) over varied terrain, carrying your own pack weighing 35 to 40 lb (16-18 kg).

Elevation gain and loss on this stretch of the PCT is minimal, which is what makes it friendly to backpackers of all levels. What you should prepare for is the altitude: nearly all the hiking happens between 6,000 ft and 7,500 ft (1,830-2,290 m), and the optional ascent of Mount Eddy tops out at 9,026 ft (2,751 m). The fitter you arrive, the more you’ll enjoy every day of it, so some hiking with a loaded pack beforehand goes a long way.

Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover our collection of hiking adventures in the USA!
Tents, group cooking gear, the group first aid kit, and a water filter are provided, so your packing list covers personal gear and clothing.

Backpacking gear:
- - Backpacking pack big enough for three days of gear (roughly 50-65L)
  - Sleeping bag rated for cool mountain nights
  - Sleeping pad
  - Water bottles or hydration bladder (2L total capacity)
  - Headlamp with spare batteries
  - Hiking poles (optional, helpful with a loaded pack)
  - Bowl, mug, and spork
  - Trail snacks you like
Clothing & footwear:
- - Broken-in hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes
  - Hiking socks plus spares
  - Hiking pants or shorts
  - Base layer top, plus a warm mid-layer fleece or puffy for evenings
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Warm hat and light gloves
  - Sunhat and sunglasses
  - Camp clothes and something comfortable to sleep in
Other:
- - Toiletries, including sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and bug spray
  - Personal medications and any blister care you rely on
  - Trash bag for packing out your waste
  - Camera (optional, but recommended)
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

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Group sizes and pricing:
- - This PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour runs on set departure dates, and your guides scale the guiding team to the number of people booked.
  - The maximum group size is set at 10 participants.
  - PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tours can be arranged for larger groups — contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the backpacking trip on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
  - If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your PCT Mount Shasta backpacking tour is in the town of Mt. Shasta, California. To get there, most people fly into Sacramento International Airport (SMF). From there, you rent a car to reach Mt. Shasta.

You will meet your guides in the town of Mt. Shasta, and transportation from there to the trailhead and back at the end of the trip is included.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
- If canceled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
- If canceled 60 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
- If canceled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.
- Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48 hours grace period.

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