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Shasta Alpine Lodge at Horse Camp
Shasta Alpine Lodge is a climbers' hut at Horse Camp, a 720-acre
parcel within the Mount
Shasta Wilderness of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Horse
Camp is a popular base camp for climbers and hikers on Mount Shasta.
The property is owned and operated by The
Sierra Club Foundation.
Shasta Alpine Lodge was dedicated on July 4, 1923 and is constructed
primarily of indigenous materials including volcanic rock and
Shasta red fir. Located at an altitude of approximately 7950 feet,
Horse Camp offers low impact camp sites, a seasonal source of
fresh water, and emergency shelter in the Lodge. During the late
May through September climbing season Horse Camp is staffed by
friendly, knowledgeable caretakers.
Tips on Hiking to Horse Camp
- Take Everitt Memorial Highway from Mount Shasta City to Bunny
Flat trail head at about 7,000 feet elevation
- Bring at least one quart of water per hiker as there is none
at the trail head nor on the trail itself.
- The trail is about 2 miles long and gains approximately 1,000
feet in elevation
- A slow and steady pace often works best in the high country
- Remember to get a Wilderness Permit at the trailhead
- Pet dogs are not allowed in The Mount Shasta Wilderness,
nor on The Sierra Club Foundation property
Visiting Horse Camp
In summer, the spring at Horse Camp ensures a reliable supply
of fresh water. There are plenty of cleared campsites after the
snow melts out. A fire ring in front of the hut offers climbers
and campers a place to socialize on summer evenings. The Phoenix
solar-powered, composting toilet converts human waste into a non-toxic
end product, making it easier to practice low impact camping.
The hut itself houses a guest register, a small library of mountain
books, and displays pertaining to Mount Shasta, including a lost
and found board for climbers.
The following guidelines are for campers and day hikers as
well:
- avoid walking on on fragile plant life: stay on trails
- leave rocks and plants where they are
- respect wild animals: hang and pack out all food and trash
- camp only in established sites
- wash dishes at least 100 feet away from the spring and strain
all rinse water
- fees for camping are $5.00 per tent and $3.00 per solo
bivy
- suggested day use donation is $1.00 per person
Remember to hang your food to keep it away from small
animals and to prevent your nifty gear from being
chewed!!!
School Field Trips
The Sierra Club Foundation welcomes school groups who wish
to hike to Horse Camp for an educational field trip during the
month of September. Horse Camp is staffed by experienced caretakers
who will lead classes on an informative tour of the property.
We ask that educators call in advance and make a reservation
for their school groups. There are several points to keep in
mind when planning your group's visit:
- Email Linda C. at linda@chitwoodenergy.com to reserve a date and time. When your school group's
reservation to visit Horse Camp is confirmed, support materials
and wilderness guidelines will be sent to you.
- A caretaker will be there to interact with
you and your students and to answer your questions. Each caretaker
has a wealth of outdoor experience to share.
- The Sierra Club Foundation works closely
with the Mt. Shasta Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service
and at your request we may be able to arrange for a visit with
one of the wilderness rangers in coordination with your hike
to Horse Camp.
- Horse Camp is supported by donations to The
Sierra Club Foundation, and we are suggesting that school groups
voluntarily donate $1.00 per visitor. Donations may be in cash
or in one check for the entire group and may be deposited directly
into the donation tube inside the cabin at the time of your visit.
Hiking to Horse Camp is a tradition for many elementary school
classes in Siskiyou County. Please contact us at your earliest
convenience to reserve a date for your class, or if you have
any questions.
Winter at Horse Camp
In the winter season there is no daily caretaker presence at
Horse Camp. The winter caretaker sees to it that the entrances
to the Lodge and the composting toilet are kept free of snow.
The spring is not maintained during the winter months, so visitors
must provide their own water. Skiers, snowshoers, and climbers
must be properly outfitted and experienced in winter wilderness
travel. Winter conditions on Mt. Shasta can be harsh and unforgiving.
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Text and photographs copyright 1997-2004 by Bob Musgrove.