Sand Flat
2-mile trail climbs from Sand Flat Trailhead to Horse Camp.
Sand Flat trailhead at 6,830 feet gets very little use. Its only access is off the Everitt Memorial Highway, just before Bunny Flat. There is an "upper" and "lower" Sand Flat road and either can be used to get to the trailhead. The trailhead is closed and covered in snow for a good portion of the year and usually is opened in May or early June or whenever the snow melts. It accesses all the same routes as the Bunny Flat trailhead, just from a slightly different angle. It does not add or subtract any significant mileage or elevation from the start of your climb. It's a trailhead used more by hikers later in the season looking for an alternative trail for hiking adventures on the south and west sides of the mountain. The trail joins the Bunny Flat Trail approximately 1/4 mile before the Mount Shasta Wilderness boundary.
There are numerous dispersed camping spots in the Sand Flat area and gorgeous views of Casaval Ridge and the mountain in general. Huge Shasta Red Fir trees, bright green moss and a quiet, tranquil place is the norm. Please DO NOT create new dispersed sites or drive into Sand Flat proper. You will be issued a citation if caught for either of these activities. Fires are NOT allowed during fire restriction designation. Check with the Mt. Shasta Ranger Station for current restrictions.
Venturing beyond the end of the developed trail will require careful planning, specialized equipment, a summit pass and mountaineering expertise. Here is some more information about Climbing Mt. Shasta.
Active Alerts
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
Horse Camp
- If camping, it is $5 per tent, per night.
- Donations help Foundation staff to continue a more than 80-year-old tradition of stewardship and service on Mt. Shasta.
- The Sierra Club Foundation's facilities are open to the public and include:
- Campsites
- Seasonal fresh water
- Emergency shelter
- Leave No Trace information
- Composting toilet
June-October weather permitting
Wilderness permits, available free of charge, are required for entry into the wilderness area year round, and there are currently no quotas (limits on the number of permits available). Permits are free and can be issued at the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations and all trailheads that are open.
If you climb above 10,000 feet on Mt. Shasta you will need a Summit Pass:
Standard Mt. Shasta Summit Pass: $25 per person. Valid up to 3 days from the date of purchase. (A Shasta-Trinity Annual Pass can be substituted for this standard pass). People under 16 years of age are not required to purchase a Summit Pass.
Mt. Shasta Annual Summit Pass: $30 per year, is valid for the calendar year (to December 31). For visitors who anticipate frequent visits, or plan on staying for several days, this pass provides an affordable and convenient alternative to purchasing multiple summit passes.
Some special restrictions apply to the Mt. Shasta Wilderness. Group size is limited to 10 persons or less. Camping is limited to seven nights within a 30-day period. Due to scarcity of fuel, wood fires are not permitted. Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the Mt. Shasta Wilderness including the Sierra Club property at Horse Camp.
Address: 204 West Alma Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
Phone: 530-926-4511
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm; Closed Saturday, and Sunday (Closed on federal holidays)
