Required for climbing above 10,000 ft on Mt. Shasta.
“Summit Summit Pass in Mt. Shasta.”
Plan your Mount Shasta Wilderness trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get Summit Pass
The Summit Pass has no quota, so buy it any day you want to climb: at a trailhead self-issue kiosk, at the Mt. Shasta or McCloud Ranger Station, at The Fifth Season, or by phone. It is $25 for three days.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
How to get a Summit Pass permit
- Type
- Climbing
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Official permit page →Step 1: How this permit is issued
The Summit Pass has no quota, so buy it any day you want to climb: at a trailhead self-issue kiosk, at the Mt. Shasta or McCloud Ranger Station, at The Fifth Season, or by phone. It is $25 for three days.
Step 2: Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
More on Summit Pass: Live availability activity
The Summit Pass climb
How hard the Summit Pass climb is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity3/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Fit hikers with mountain experience ready to step into mountaineering.
Recommended experience: Several strenuous hikes with 4,000+ ft elevation gain. Comfortable with exposed terrain.
When to climb Summit Pass
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Day 3: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 4: Extreme heat (95°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
- Day 5: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
Today
92°
64°
Wed
94°
72°
Thu
95°
67°
Fri
95°
63°
Sat
99°
63°
Sun
98°
65°
Mon
98°
63°
Summit Pass rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Summit Pass.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Summit Pass · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Summit Pass FAQ
How do I get a Summit Pass permit?
Summit Pass is issued directly by the agency. The Summit Pass has no quota, so buy it any day you want to climb: at a trailhead self-issue kiosk, at the Mt. Shasta or McCloud Ranger Station, at The Fifth Season, or by phone. It is $25 for three days. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Summit Pass?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Summit Pass permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Summit Pass permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Summit Pass route conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Summit Pass permit
Where to stay near Summit Pass
- Dekkas Rock campgroundShasta-Trinity National Forest
- Hirz CabinShasta-Trinity National Forest
- Hirz Bay campgroundShasta-Trinity National Forest
- All California campgrounds
Trip planning
Articles that plan a trip around this permit.
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