Mt. Shasta: Stay at Horse Camp

[Rawsox]

I am wondering whether anyone has climbed Mt. Shasta as an overnight but stayed at Horse Camp (elev=7884) rather than Lake Helen (elev=10,443). If so, was a night at Horse Camp sufficient to acclimate to the elevation?

I live at sea level. I did Mt. Whitney as a day hike last year, but I was totally miserable. I would prefer to avoid the nausea, but my buddy really doesn't want to stay at Lake Helen.

Thanks for any input.

[AlexeyD]

I've never stayed at Horse Camp, but I have camped at a similar elevation on the east side of the mountain (Hotlum-Wintum route from Brewer Creek) - and experienced one of my worst cases of AMS that day (and was living in Colorado at the time). But, of course, everyone's body responds differently. If you are in good shape and in general not prone to altitude sickness, you can probably get away with it.

[MonGoose]

Horse Camp is a beautiful place to camp right at treeline with fresh spring water. You'll be able to camp on dry ground and be sheltered in the trees from any weather. The problem is that you are only at 7,880', leaving yourself a 6,300' snow climb - that's a huge day. You'll have to start really early to avoid the late-morning softening of snow and loose slides. Another option is to camp at 50/50 flat at 9,400' which would put you in a better position to summit.

[spiderman]

If Whitney was a tough day hike for you, I would guess that doing Shasta from Horse Camp could be too challenging. Being on snow is much more exhausting than a well-graded trail. I did Shasta with my son as a 1.25 day hike from Clear Creek. Hiking in for 2-3 hours the first day makes the summit day very manageable. Lots of good camping options at the elevations listed in Summitpost. We stayed at Bivy Site 1 to make for an easier summit day, but that spot has no water. Staying down in the Main Camp location gives you fresh water and lots of camping options. If you want to get more acclimated, do it as a 2.25 day trip with one night at the Main Camp, one night in a Bivy spot, followed by a summit attempt.

http://www.summitpost.org/clear-creek/157378