Mount Shasta scenery

Fly & Drive guide

Fly into RDD, drive to Mount Shasta

1 h 32 min drive69 milesReservations: moderate

Trip snapshot

Arrival airport
RDD
Airport drive
1 h 32 min · estimate
Suggested stay
2–4 days
Reservation demand
Moderate · check entry notes
Vehicle notes
A standard vehicle is fine for the main highway, but high-clearance is advised for unpaved forest service roads; check rental contracts for off-pavement restrictions.

Your route

RDD

Redding Municipal Airport

Mount Shasta

About 1 h 32 min · 69 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.

Your arrival plan

Before you land

Reservations

Climbing Permits and Seasonal Road Access in High Country

While the town of Mount Shasta requires no entry fee, specialized permits are mandatory for any travel above 10,000 feet on the mountain. Wilderness permits for the day are available at trailheads, but summit passes and specific overnight zones require checking current Forest Service quotas. Access to the Everitt Memorial Highway is seasonally limited by snowpack, and reservations for developed campgrounds often fill months in advance during the short summer window.

Official reservation info

Best time to fly in

June – September

Your route

  1. Day 1 · Glacial Vistas and High Alpine Slopes

    Bunny Flat Trailhead → Old Ski Bowl

  2. Day 2 · Waters of the Sacramento Headwaters

    Mount Shasta City Park → Mossbrae Falls

  3. Day 3 · Basalt Basins and McCloud Waterfalls

    Middle McCloud Falls → Lake Siskiyou

Viator

Tours & experiences near Mount Shasta

Explore guided activities around Mount Shasta. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.

Open tour listings separately

Curated Trip Essentials

Five picks for Mount Shasta

Optional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.

Quick answers

What is the closest airport to Mount Shasta?

Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.

How long is the drive from RDD to Mount Shasta?

Roughly 1 h 32 min (about 69 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.

Do I need a reservation to visit Mount Shasta?

While the town of Mount Shasta requires no entry fee, specialized permits are mandatory for any travel above 10,000 feet on the mountain. Wilderness permits for the day are available at trailheads, but summit passes and specific overnight zones require checking current Forest Service quotas. Access to the Everitt Memorial Highway is seasonally limited by snowpack, and reservations for developed campgrounds often fill months in advance during the short summer window.

Keep planning

More Mount Shasta guides