Rising like a sentinel from the northern California landscape, Mount Shasta isn’t just a mountain—it’s a magnet for mystery, folklore, and spiritual seekers. Towering over 14,000 feet tall, this dormant volcano dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles and has inspired everything from UFO sightings to ancient Lemurian legends.
If you like your road trip stops beautiful, weird, and full of high-elevation energy, Mount Shasta delivers.
Where It Is
Mount Shasta is located in Siskiyou County, in far northern California, just off Interstate 5 near the Oregon border. The closest town, also called Mount Shasta, serves as a basecamp for visitors. From there, the mountain is impossible to miss—it’s visible from nearly every street and trail.
Why People Flock Here
Aside from being one of the tallest peaks in the Cascade Range, Mount Shasta is known for something else entirely: the myths.
Stories swirl around this mountain. Some say it’s home to a hidden city of ancient beings called the Lemurians—a lost civilization said to live inside the mountain in secret tunnels. Others believe Mount Shasta is a spiritual energy vortex, attracting UFOs, mystics, and seekers of all kinds. You’ll find crystal shops, New Age bookstores, and guided meditations happening on the regular.
Whether you believe in the legends or not, there’s no denying the place feels different.
What to Do
Hiking and Outdoor Exploration
There are dozens of trails for all levels. Popular ones include:
- Bunny Flat to Horse Camp – A moderate route leading to the Sierra Club hut at the base of summit climbs
- Panther Meadow – A sacred area with high alpine wildflowers and quiet spiritual energy
- Castle Lake and Heart Lake – Nearby lakes offering unbeatable views of the peak
Summit Attempts
Climbing to the summit requires experience with snow travel and altitude. Most climbers tackle it between late spring and early summer with crampons and ice axes. It’s not for beginners, but it’s a bucket list for serious mountaineers.
Downtown Mount Shasta
A charming mix of cafes, metaphysical shops, and outdoor gear stores. You’ll find everything from crystals and incense to espresso and elk jerky. It’s walkable, friendly, and full of personality.
McCloud Falls and Lake Siskiyou
Both are close by and worth a visit. The falls offer a three-tiered waterfall hike, and the lake has swimming, paddleboarding, and a loop trail with views of the mountain.
Spiritual Retreats and Events
If you’re into energy work, channeling, or just soaking in the vibes, the town offers everything from sound baths to UFO conferences. Even skeptics find the scene oddly welcoming.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for clear views and accessible hiking
- Winter: Great for snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and other cold-weather adventures
- Bring layers: Weather changes fast at high altitudes
- Fuel up before heading out: Food and supplies thin out fast once you leave town
- Respect the land: Especially areas like Panther Meadow, which is considered sacred by Native tribes and spiritual communities alike
Mount Shasta is the kind of place that creeps into your head and doesn’t leave. It’s a natural wonder, a spiritual center, and a monument to the unknown—all wrapped in one snowcapped peak.
Whether you come to hike, climb, explore, or just breathe it in… you’ll leave with a story.
